Egypt Holidays 2022
Every nation has its own special days where people get together to celebrate or remember important events. Here are the public holidays in Egypt you can look forward to if you're spending some time in the country in 2022.
Dates for Holidays Egypt 2022
| Holiday Name | Date | Day |
| Coptic Christmas Day | January 7, 2022 | Friday |
| January 25 Revolution Day | January 25, 2022 | Tuesday |
| Coptic Easter | April 24, 2022 | Sunday |
| Sham el Nessim | April 25, 2022 | Monday |
| Sinai Liberation Day | April 25, 2022 | Monday |
| Labor Day | May 1, 2022 | Sunday |
| Eid Al Fitr | May 3, 2022 | Tuesday |
| Eid Al Adha | July 10, 2022 | Sunday |
| July 23 Revolution Day | July 23, 2022 | Saturday |
| El Hijra | July 31, 2022 | Sunday |
| Armed Forces Day | October 6, 2022 | Thursday |
| Moulid El Nabi | October 9, 2022 | Sunday |
Holidays Egypt Overview
Egypt is a northeast African country known for its beautiful pyramids and the Nile River. This might motivate you to take a trip to take in the sights.
But before you head over, it's a good idea to learn which national holidays Egypt 2022 will happen and how the locals observe these special days. This can ensure you don't make a faux pas and that you're a respectful tourist.
In addition, getting some context behind these holidays can make your trip more meaningful. Learning about the rich history of Egypt and how its people celebrate it can give you a newfound appreciation for its culture.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Coptic Christmas Day
Date: January 7, 2022
Day of the Week: Friday
While much of the world celebrates Christmas Day on December 25, Egypt's Coptic Christmas Day happens in January. This is because it follows the Coptic calendar, which is a solar calendar used in ancient Egypt.
You'll find the Christmas scene quite familiar in Egypt, as they also decorate festively with bright lights and Christmas-themed decor.
For 43 days before Christmas Day, Copts fast and don't use animal products. They'll attend evening Mass on January 6, then go home to have a filling feast. The food includes roast turkey, as well as traditional Egyptian dishes like fattah.
On Christmas Day itself, families and close friends exchange gifts. Parents usually give their children some money on Christmas Eve. For the rest of the day, loved ones spend precious time with one another, drinking tea, and eating kahk and other sweets.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — January 25 Revolution Day
Date: January 25, 2022
Day of the Week: Tuesday
January 25 was formerly known as Police Day, which observed the Egyptian police force's efforts in 1952. This was the catalyst for the British monarchy to leave Egypt.
In 2011, Police Day changed to Revolution Day. This national holiday marks the end of General Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule after an 18-day revolution.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Coptic Easter
Date: April 24, 2022
Day of the Week: Sunday
Although Coptic Easter falls on Sunday, April 24, Copts start celebrating the day before. Because this is a religious holiday, they'll sing hymns and read psalms together on Saturday night.
Then, on the day of Easter, friends and family get together to exchange small gifts. They'll also end their 40-day fast for Lent by having lavish banquets. Like with Christmas, Copts will eat fattah, as well as meat and fish.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Sham el Nessim
Date: April 25, 2022
Day of the Week: Monday
Sham el Nessim is Easter Monday, the last day of the Holy Week. While it's known as Coptic Easter Monday, pretty much all Egyptians celebrate this holiday. It's believed to originate in 2,700 BCE, which predates modern religion, which is why all Egyptians revel in this day.
People gather to paint and decorate eggs. Some people also write wishes on the eggs and hang them outside in hopes of them being granted.
Also, the main dish eaten on Sham el Nessim is feseekh. This is salted fish served with green onions.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Sinai Liberation Day
Date: April 25, 2022
Day of the Week: Monday
For holidays Egypt 2022, Sinai Liberation Day happens to fall on the same day as Sham el Nessim. This holiday commemorates April 25, 1982, when Egypt regained Sinai. It also memorializes April 25, 1988, when the last Israeli soldier left Taba.
As you might imagine, this date is of utmost importance to Egyptians. They celebrate this day by honoring Sinai and all it has to offer to the nation.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Labor Day
Date: May 1, 2022
Day of the Week: Sunday
Like with most other countries in the world, Egypt's government is thankful for the work its citizens put in to make the nation a better place. It's from this appreciation that this day is born from. The people have President Gamal Abdel Nasser to thank for Labor Day, as he proclaimed it a national holiday in 1924.
As expected, the general population has the day off of work, which means the majority of businesses, schools, and public services are closed. Considering that the Egyptian work week goes from Sunday through Thursday, Egyptians will enjoy a day off for Labor Day 2022.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Eid Al Fitr
Date: May 3, 2022
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is a whole month of fasting. To celebrate, friends and family visit one another, wearing new clothes and giving each other small gifts.
The holiday is so big that it's celebrated over 3 days. Many restaurants will either close early or for all of Eid Al Fitr to ensure their staff can break their fast in a joyous and amazing way. At home, Egyptians will cook and eat dishes like kahk, as well as meat, fish, and rice. The main meal for Eid Al Fitr is lunch, but you can still count on many delicious dishes throughout the day.
After feasting, they'll then go out in the streets, parks, and other public spaces to celebrate with everyone.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Eid Al Adha
Date: July 10, 2022
Day of the Week: Sunday
Eid Al Adha is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. It honors Ibrahim's sacrifice of his son. As with many of the other holidays Egypt 2022, it's customary to wear new clothes, gather with friends and family, and have tasty meals with them. Foods eaten include kebab, kebda, and fata.
Also, early in the morning, Egyptians will go to the mosque for Eid prayers. They'll eat sour food and recite takbeer en route to the mosque.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — July 23 Revolution Day
Date: July 23, 2022
Day of the Week: Saturday
For holidays Egypt 2022, there are 2 Revolution Days. The second falls on July 23rd and denotes the day Egypt went from being a kingdom to a republic, as a result of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.
Egyptians actually start celebrating on July 22nd since this is when the actual military coup d'état started. On July 23, celebrations include military parades and concerts. The president also makes a public statement for this occasion.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — El Hijra
Date: July 31, 2022
Day of the Week: Sunday
El Hijra (or Awal Muharram, Islamic New Year) marks the first day of Muharram, which is the lunar Islam calendar. In Egypt, it's quite an affair, as there's singing and dancing all throughout the country.
As with other holidays Egypt 2022, people will visit their loved ones and throw grand parties.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Armed Forces Day
Date: October 6, 2022
Day of the Week: Thursday
To remember those lost in the war, Egypt holds numerous military parties and fireworks shows.
Holidays Egypt 2022 — Moulid El Nabi
Date: October 9, 2022
Day of the Week: Sunday
Moulid El Nabi is also known as The Prophet's Birthday. Egyptians will eat Halawet Al-Mouled, which are sweets made of nuts and honey, as well as malban and other treats. Adults will give children the Arouset Al-Mouled, a small doll.
