عيد الميلاد المجيد
7 Jan 2025Christmas 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.
عيد الثورة 25 يناير
25 Jan 2025This is a public holiday in Egypt.
Sham El-Nessim
21 Apr 2025Sham 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 تحرير سيناء
24 Apr 2025Sinai 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.
عيد العمال
1 May 2025Labour 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.
Eid Al-Adha
6–9 Jun 2025Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and is observed in Egypt with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving. The date is set by the Hijri calendar and depends on moon sighting, so it may shift by plus or minus one day. It is a public holiday with closures across government offices and many businesses. The first day is the most ceremonial, with mosque prayers and community gatherings. The holiday matters because it connects faith, sacrifice, and social solidarity, and it often brings increased domestic travel and busy public spaces. Many families plan visits across governorates and arrange shared meals.
Islamic New Year
26 Jun 2025Islamic 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.
ثورة 30 يونيو
3 Jul 2025June 30 Revolution Day commemorates the mass protests of 2013 that led to significant political change in Egypt. The holiday reflects a pivotal moment in the country's recent history and is marked by official statements, national media coverage, and public observance. It is recognized as a nationwide public holiday, with many government offices closed and public services running on limited schedules. The day matters for national identity and contemporary politics, and it is distinct from the 1952 Revolution Day on July 23. The date is often discussed in public discourse and civic education. In some years, the day off may be rescheduled to a nearby Thursday.
عيد ثورة 23 يوليو
24 Jul 2025Revolution 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.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
4 Sep 2025The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, known as Mawlid, is observed with prayers, sermons, and community gatherings across Egypt. The holiday follows the Hijri lunar calendar and depends on moon sighting, so the date may change by plus or minus one day. It is a public holiday, with closures in government offices and many institutions. The day matters because it honors the Prophet's life and teachings and is widely recognized across society. In many cities, sweets and traditional celebrations are common, and families visit mosques or attend public programs while services operate on holiday schedules. Markets often sell festive confections and decorations.
عيد القوات المسلحة
6 Oct 2025Armed 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.