عيد الميلاد المجيد
7 Jan 2008Christmas Day in Egypt is celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Christian community and marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. It is one of Egypt's most important religious holidays and a sign of the country's long Christian heritage and coexistence. Churches hold midnight liturgies, families gather for festive meals, and many neighborhoods visit churches and relatives. Public life slows down and government offices close, while some shops and services operate with limited hours. The day matters nationally because it recognizes the Coptic Church's historic role in Egyptian identity. If the date falls on a weekend, the government may move the day off to a nearby Thursday.
Islamic New Year
10 Jan 2008Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and is observed in Egypt with quiet reflection and religious programming. The date depends on moon sighting and can change by plus or minus one day. It is a nationwide public holiday, though observances tend to be modest and family focused. Government offices and many businesses close or operate reduced hours. The day matters as a spiritual reset and a reminder of Islamic heritage in Egypt. Public events are limited compared to major feasts, but mosques often host special sermons and lessons and families may gather quietly at home. Many people listen to recitations and historical stories.
عيد الثورة 25 يناير
25 Jan 2008This is a public holiday in Egypt.
عيد تحرير سيناء
25 Apr 2008Sinai Liberation Day marks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982 after the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. The day symbolizes the restoration of Egyptian sovereignty over Sinai and is an important milestone in the country's modern diplomatic history. Official celebrations, military tributes, and patriotic events are held nationwide, and schools often highlight the historical context. Many government services close, and businesses may operate on reduced schedules. It matters as a reminder of national unity and territorial integrity, and televised programs often emphasize Sinai's strategic role. If it falls on a weekend, authorities sometimes move the day off to a nearby Thursday.
Sham El-Nessim
28 Apr 2008Sham El-Nessim is Egypt’s spring festival with roots in ancient traditions. Families head to parks, gardens, and the Nile to enjoy outdoor meals, and it’s common to eat salted fish (feseekh), green onions, and eggs. It is a nationwide public holiday and marks the start of the spring season with a festive, family-focused atmosphere.
عيد العمال
1 May 2008Labour Day in Egypt celebrates the contributions of workers across all sectors of the economy. It is observed as a nationwide public holiday, with official speeches and events highlighting workers' rights, productivity, and social development. Public institutions and many businesses close or operate on reduced schedules. The day matters because labor and public service are central to Egypt's economic and social life, and unions often highlight workplace achievements. Many families use the day for rest and local outings. In some years, the government may shift the day off to a nearby Thursday if the holiday falls on a weekend, but the calendar date remains the official observance.
عيد ثورة 23 يوليو
23 Jul 2008Revolution Day celebrates the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, which ended the monarchy and led to the establishment of the modern republic. It is one of the most historically significant national holidays in Egypt and honors figures such as the Free Officers Movement. The day is observed nationwide with official ceremonies, patriotic media, and public events. It matters as a foundation of modern Egyptian statehood and is distinct from the 2011 Revolution Day on January 25. Museums and documentaries often revisit the era to explain its long term impact. As a public holiday, many offices close or reduce hours, and authorities may move the day off to a nearby Thursday in some years.
عيد القوات المسلحة
6 Oct 2008Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of the October War of 1973, when Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal during the conflict with Israel. The holiday honors the military and its role in defending national sovereignty and is a key date in modern Egyptian history. Military parades, official speeches, and commemorative events take place across the country, often alongside educational programming. It is a nationwide public holiday, with closures in government offices and reduced business hours. The day matters as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice, and the day off can be moved by government decision in some years. Veterans and families are often recognized in local ceremonies.