Why should you visit Egypt in coming months?

 

Pyramids, Mummies, Coffins, we immediately build a sketch of such things when we counter the word "Egypt." In the Northeast corner of Africa, a country with a rich history, the most developed ancient civilization, and masterpieces of arts and architecture is present, amusing everyone around the World with remarkable hospitality, values, and culture. Egypt is a perfect place to understand the evolution of man from using stones to lit fire to the modern human, launching rockets, and stepping on the moon. It is the best place to know how our ancestors lived, how humans started living together and creating civilizations, how they learned, how we have reached this point. Not only in social perspectives, but also in economic, political, and above all religious perspectives. 

But before you visit, let's have a brief overlook of Egyptian people, their culture, history, and festivals they celebrate. 

People of Egypt

Egyptians are famous for their humorous spirit and hospitality. It is difficult to point out their race or ethnicity because ancient Egyptians were Africans, but later invaders like Romans and Arabs changed the Ethnicity. Not only this, Egypt is may not be considered as an African country rather a middle East or an Arab State as its religion is Islam, language is Arabic and it is also part of the Arab League. 

Egyptian Culture

Egyptian culture still has some old traditions from their ancient civilization but there are not many. Today's Egyptian culture basically depicts the Islamic Culture. A lot of their festivals are from Islam and so are their traditions. In Egyptian culture use of the left hand is considered a little bit ill-mannered. The right hand is mostly used in giving, receiving, and also in gestures. Pointing fingers at others is considered extremely rude and impolite. 

History

Egypt is rich in history. The Egyptian civilization started along with the River Neil and its presence can be traced back to some 20,000 BCE. Egyptian History can be, generally, divided into three periods of Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Some may divide it based on dynasties and major events during this time as prehistoric period, predynastic period, dynastic period, dark age, civil war, and invaders age. 

So, we have reached this point of understanding their culture, knowing about the lovely people of Egypt and their history, now let's have a look at their famous festivals. For a detailed history of Egypt, check out the link below.  

https://youtu.be/KUPQQQ3BoNM

Festivals to Attend 

As we have already discussed, most of the Egyptian festivals are from Islam, well there are also some others let's have a look at some of them. 

Abu Simbel Sun Festival 

Abu Simbel Sun Festival has been celebrated since 1244 BCE when the Ramse's Temple was built by King Ramses II between 1290-1244.  This festival is celebrated two times a year on February 22 as the celebration of the accession of the throne by Ramses and 22 October as the celebration of Ramses Birthday. Back then it was celebrated on 21 February and 21 October, in 1960 due to Aswan Dam construction, there was fear of going this temple underwater so it was moved from its actual place and the festival has been celebrated a day later since then. 

During this festival statues inside the temple are illuminated with sun rays. Statues of Ra which was considered as the God of Sun and Ammun( King of Gods) are illuminated while Ptah(the God of Darkness) is kept in darkness. The Statues are arranged in such a way that only Ammun and Ra get the Sun rays. 

The entrance of the Abu Simbel Temple 

After this Ritual, Egyptian folk Nubian Dance performance is held with live music. Koshari is the famous food for this festival. 

Coptic Orthodox Easter

Just like Catholic and other Christians Easter and Christmas festivals, Coptic Orthodox Christians( Egypt's 10-15% population) also celebrate these festivals. Before Easter, people fast for 55 days while during Christmas fast ends for 43 days. These festivals are important ones in their life and are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Dates are different and change every year.

Sham Ennesim

After the Coptic Orthodox Easter, Sham Ennesim is celebrated by all Egyptians. It is the national Public Holiday to celebrate the new Spring season by visiting parks, gardens, etc. 

Eid ul Fitr

Like the other Muslim States, Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr are celebrated with great zeal and zest in Egypt as a large population of Egypt is Muslim. During this festival, people fast for a month from dawn to dusk and at the end of the month, a three-day celebration is held marked with wearing of new, beautiful dresses, visiting of relatives and friends, and eating delicious foods. A prayer is performed by the whole Muslim community at the start of the day. As it follows the Lunar calendar, the date changes every year. This year it will be in the Mid of May. 

Eid ul Adha

After 2 months of Eid ul Fitr, another Religious festival, Eid ul Adha is celebrated by the whole Muslim Ummah, in the remembrance of Prophet Abraham (A.S). On this day a ritual of sacrificing some animal and distributing its meat among relatives, friends, and poor needy people is followed. Like Eid ul Fitr, the Eid ul Adha celebration also includes the offering of an Eid prayer at the start of the day. The date changes every year according to the lunar calendar. This year it's gonna be in Mid July.

Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year or New Hijri Year is celebrated on the first of Muharram. Well, it's not celebrated as the world celebrates the New year on the first of January. So, you're not gonna see any special celebration during this. 

Coptic Orthodox New Year

A celebration of Martyr's, held in the Mid of September( September 11 or 12), it's not celebrated like Easter and Christmas, though fasting is followed. But it is kind of a simple festival.

Milad-un-Nabi 

Milad- un- Nabi, is celebrated with enthusiasm to celebrate the Birth of Prophet Muhammad(Peace be Upon Him). Streets are decorated and food is distributed during this festival. This festival is celebrated with a lot of warmth and passion. 

Foods to Try 

So, now we are done with festivals, Let's talk about what famous foods you should try when you visit Egypt, well, remember to try the foods like Ful Medames, Koshari, Kebab and Kofta, and Tamiya.

Koshari

Sites to Visit

Some famous and spectacular sites to visit and arts to wonder in Egypt are the Pyramids of Gizza, Fayum Mummy Portraits, Valley of Kings, Mask of Tutankhamun, Abu Simbel Tempels, Narmer Palate, Islamic Cairo, Egyptian Museum, River Neil. Well, these are the tourist attractions. For travelers, the Gigantic desert of Sahara is present for Adventures. 

Now, pack your bags, visit Egypt, and see how our ancestors in Egypt created such wonders. If you have something other to tell about Egypt and its culture, tell us about your precious views. Have a pleasant and wonderful time!