Festivals in Egypt including Ramadan

Festivals in Egypt including Ramadan Egypt celebrates many Festivals and Public Holidays. So Here are a few of the Celebrations that are held and may help you as the Touris plan your Tours. RAMADAN Ramadan is the Islamic Month for fasting by Muslims and is one of the Holiest of Islamic Festivals. Ramadan starts when the Crescent Moon is sighted and Muslims will fast from Sunrise to Sunset., with no food, water or smoking until the Mosque calls for them to break the fast. Ramadan lasts a Month and can have some effects on everyday life i.e. some shops and restaurants closed during the middle of the day. Although Non Muslims do not observe the fast , as Tourist if you are walking in the streets at the tim,e of fasting for Muslims it would be very respectgul if you did not drink or smoke in front of the Muslims that are fasting they would really respect you for this. As you walk around the streets you see the Buildings decorated with Lanterns and lights , and children carrying Lanterns a very magical sight. EID EL FITR Eid El Fitr is the first day after the Holy Month of Ramadan, this is known as Shawal. It is a lovely time as Families get together to celebrate the end of fasting by wearing New Clothes and exchanging gifts and sweets. EID AL ADHA Eid al Adha is another Great Feast which is when the Sacrifice of the Sheep is made. Every Household who can afford to do so will buy and Sacrifice a Sheep. Many Bars and Restaurants will refrain from serving alcohol during these Holidays although Hotels will probably not be affected. MOULIDS. There are many smaller local Moulids that celebrate the lives of Saints and Muslims. Luxor and Cairo all Host Large Moulids which are a crowded affair with Ritual Prayers, dancing and music. COPTIC HOLIDAYS. Christmas and Easter are both National Holidays. Christmas is celebrated in Janurary and you will see more Christmas Lights, Trees and children wearing Santa Clause Hats in Egypt than ever before. The Coptic Easter traces back the roots to Pharaonic Times called Sham Al Nessim. There are some traditions which are similar to the WesternEaster, such as painting Eggs. Sham Al Nessim is usually celebrated outdoors where Families picnic and eat a type of pick;ed fish called Feseekh.