10 Big Egyptian Festivals and Events

Egypt is home to some of the biggest festivals in the world, infact the history of these ancient lands is so deep and well-maintained that you can still experience the magic of some festivals that go back thousands of years, as well as more contemporary festivals – so when it comes to experiencing some of the most exciting and memorable events, Egypt is definitely the place to do it! Here are our top 10 festivals and events you can either sit back and watch or even take part in:

1. Cairo International Book Fair

Taking place every January, this is the biggest cultural event on the Egyptian calendar. Not only does it attract publishers, authors and buyers from all over the world, but crowds turn up for the events programme of talks, reading, debates and lectures, and for the many stalls selling everything from DVDs to street food – this is a must see for literature lovers.

2. International Luxor Marathon

Every February, when it is about as cool as it ever gets in Upper Egypt, this full marathon is held on the West Bank at Luxor. The start and finishing point is the Temple of Hatshepsut – if you’re up for a challenge then get down to this and make sure you have plenty to keep you hydrated!

3. Ramadan

Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. During daylight hours observant Muslims must not eat, drink or smoke. The fast is opened at sunset with iftar (breakfast), a meal usually enjoyed with all the family. Ramadan is a very festive time where you’ll often find great acts of generosity and many people out on the streets until the early hours of the morning. The celebrations peak with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day feast to mark Ramadan’s end.

4. Cairo International Film Festival

An often chaotic and disorganized celebration of local and international film takes place in November or December every year in various cinemas across the capital. It is usually attended by a bevy of Arab world and international film stars. The festival is hugely popular with local Egyptians because the festival screenings’ censorship laws are relaxed and international films are screened uncut.

5. The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Also known as the Moulid an-Nabi, this major holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. The streets burst into colour and noise with much celebration and talks in remembrance of the Prophet’s impressive character and mannerisms. Like all Islamic holy days, it follows the Islamic calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western calendar. As a result, Islamic holidays move forward every year compared with the Western calendar.

6. Sun Festival of Ramses II

On 22 February and 22 October every year, the sun penetrates 55 m (180 ft) into the innermost chamber of the Sun Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. It illuminates three of the quartet of statues of seated gods that lie deep in the innermost chamber – this was considered a special event with the statues being built where they are for this specific purpose, you’ll find that crowds of people will still enter the area before dawn breaks to watch the awe inspiring display!

7. Pharaoh’s Rally

Taking place every October, this is a gruelling 12-day, 6,400-km (4,000-mile) motor vehicle race (including cars and motor bikes) through the Egyptian desert, with the Pyramids as both the starting and finishing point. Major car manufacturers and competitors come from all over the world to compete – try to watch the start of the race where you’ll find some of the most impressive cars!

8. Moulid of Al-Hussein

A moulid is a saint worshipping festival taking the form of riotous street parties, complete with chanting, dancing, music, fairground rides and sideshows. It lasts several days, culminating in the Leyla Kebira, meaning “Big Night”. One of the largest is focused on the Mosque of Al-Hussein in Islamic Cairo.

9. Eid al-Adha

This is a commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During the two-day holiday Muslims slaughter a sheep or goat and distribute the meat among the poor. It is also a time for visiting family and friends, and for exchanging gifts – somewhat like a Christmas!

10. Moulid of Abu al-Haggag

This festival honors Luxor’s patron saint, whose mosque sits on top of Luxor Temple. Giant floats travel through the densely packed streets, and there is drumming, ritualistic stick fights and horse races. Be aware that the moulid occurs the month before Ramadan and so the date changes each year if your thinking about checking this or any of the other Islamic festivals.