Top 10 Festivals in Egypt You Must Experience in 2025
Egypt is a country with a rich culture and tradition and it hosts many festivals. A lot of events are held in Egypt all through the year, both ancient celebrations and modern festivals. Being a part of these festivals when in Egypt is a very joyful experience. Before you visit, you must know about the festivals to understand their significance.
Top 10 Egyptian Festivals to Experience in 2025
A lot of festivals are held in Egypt throughout the year. This blog brings you the top Egyptian festivals you could be a part of on Egypt tours from Dubai in 2025. Read on to know what these festivals mean to the people of Egypt.
1. Cairo International Film Festival
Held in Egypt’s capital, Cairo, the Cairo international film festival (CIFF) happens to be the Arab world’s oldest film festival. Showcasing films from all around the world, this film festival is held every year in the month of November. It’s a great opportunity to see films that you don’t usually get to see in theatres. Witness the gradual growth of the Egyptian film industry at the festival.
Why You Should Go: Celebrate global cinema as you attend star-studded events and watch world class films.
2. Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)
The birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Mawlid al-Nabi is a very important religious festival for every Muslim. Every Egyptian celebrates the festival with great enthusiasm. Colourful lights and lanterns deck up the streets of Egypt’s cities like Cairo and Alexandria. People gather for prayers and take part in processions. Traditional sweets like halawet el-moulid (a mix of candy and nuts) are enjoyed by the people with a lot of joy and fervour.
Why You Should Go: It’s an opportunity when you can immerse yourself in Egypt’s religious traditions, enjoy special sweets served during the occasion and connect with Egyptian cultural celebrations.
3. Sham el-Nessim
Dating back over 4,000 years, Sham el-Nessim is one of Egypt’s ancient festivals. Marking the beginning of spring, it is celebrated on the Monday after Coptic Easter. Egyptians celebrate this festival by going on picnics, especially in the parks by the Nile river. Try green onions and salted fish called feseekh and other traditional food.
Why You Should Go: It’s a chance to experience the ancient traditions of Egypt with a touch of modernism in the form of outdoor picnics. You also get to enjoy delicious local food.
4. Coptic Christmas (January 7)
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Coptic Christmas on January 7 every year. It’s a religious holiday centered around the family. Attending church services, feasting on delicious food and being in the company of loved ones mark the celebration of Coptic Christmas. The Christmas Eve Service is the highlight of this festival and it’s a grand occasion for Coptic Christians.
Why You Should Go: Witness the unique traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Christians of Egypt and enjoy being a part of the joyful festivities.
5. Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan. Lasting for several days, this is one of Egypt’s biggest celebrations. You’ll love being a part of the grand festivities in 2025 on one of the Egypt tours from Dubai. Egyptians gather for special prayers at mosques on this day. Gifts are exchanged and the people enjoy large family feasts. You will see shops buzzing with activity and people filling the streets dressed in the finest clothes.
Why You Should Go: Join the vibrant celebrations, shop for special goods sold during the festival and feel joy and warmth during family gatherings.
6. The Alexandria International Summer Festival
The Alexandria International Summer Festival is held during the summer months every year. Artists from around the world come here. Dance, theatre, music performances and art exhibitions are a part of the festival. Offering both cultural and scenic experiences, The festival is held in Alexandria, the beautiful coastal city. Being in this festival gives you an opportunity to admire spectacular scenic beauty as you soak in vibrant cultural performances.
Why You Should Go: Art meets history at this stunning location by the sea where you enjoy stunning performances.
7. Wadi El Gemal Festival
Located in Southern Egypt, Wadi El Gemal has a stunning desert landscape and a rich biodiversity. Local culture and nature are celebrated at this festival held annually. The celebrations are marked by camel races, desert safaris and dance. Visitors can also learn about the place’s natural wonders.
Why You Should Go: Enjoy traditional Bedouin music, explore the desert and enjoy unique desert activities. The Wadi El Gemal Festival gives visitors a feel of traditional local culture. It’s a good choice when picking international tour packages.
8. Sphinx Festival
The Sphinx Festival, held near the famous pyramids of Giza is a grand event. Visitors can enjoy live performances And Laser shows On the sphinx night, a highlight of this festival. You just have to see the light and sound show near the pyramids. It’s mesmerising! Modern Entertainment and rich history combine to create an unforgettable spectacle.
Why You Should Go: Experience of Magical the pyramids can be under the stars. It’s an evening to remember at a very iconic place.
9. Abu Simbel Sun Festival
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is held in the Abu Simbel Temple in Aswan twice every year. It’s a celebration of a fascinating phenomenon. The statues of Ramses II and the gods inside the temple shine directly under the sun’s rays.
Why You Should Go: Experience the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture. Also, witness a truly incredible natural phenomenon.
10. Egyptian Opera House Festival
Cairo’s Egyptian Opera House hosts many musical and theatrical performances all year. The Opera House Festival is held in the summer and artists from all over the world come here. Enjoy the wonderful ballet performances, symphony orchestras, concerts and the operas.
Why You Should Go: Visit one of Egypt’s most renowned venues. Enjoy a night featuring high-class performances.
Conclusion
A rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant traditions make Egypt fascinating. Egypt’s festivals offer myriad experiences, from musical events to ancient celebrations. Experience these top 10 festivals in 2025 for a truly unforgettable holiday in Egypt. Consult Travel Saga Tourism for more information. Egypt’s festivals are sure to leave a lasting impression on you and you’ll want to come back again.
