Best Festivals in Egypt: 20 Events Every Tourist Should Experience

Looking for the most fascinating festivals in Egypt? From ancient religious rituals that date back to the Pharaohs to vibrant modern-day street celebrations, Egypt offers an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and color. These festivals bring to life the country’s rich heritage blending music, dance, and spirituality against the backdrop of timeless monuments like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

Whether you want to witness age-old traditions or experience Egypt’s lively cultural side, these are the must-see festivals in Egypt that reveal the true heart of this remarkable nation.

20 Egypt Festivals

If you want to immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, you must participate in their unique cultural events and festivals. Here are the 20 best festivals in Egypt that will make your trip memorable!

Sphinx Festival

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Sphinx Festival Held in El Gouna, the Sphinx Festival is one of the best festivals in Egypt for blending ancient heritage with modern arts. Attendees enjoy live music, dance performances, and educational programs that showcase Egypt’s rich culture, making it a truly engaging festival and celebration in Egypt.

• Location: El Gouna, a Red Sea town
• Date & Time: June
• Highlights: Folk dances, traditional songs, modern and classical songs, and other events
• Specialties: Best place to immerse yourself and learn about the Egyptian heritage, culture, and folklore.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Sun Festival at Abu Simbel

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Sun Festival at Abu Simbel Among the most traditional festivals in Egypt, this twice-yearly event occurs when the sun’s rays perfectly illuminate the temple’s inner sanctuary, highlighting the statues of gods. Visitors witness an awe-inspiring display of astronomy and ancient Egyptian engineering, making it a must-see festival in Egypt.

• Location: Abu Simbel, Egypt 
• Date & Time: February and October.
• Highlights: It honors the sun god with music, dance and cultural performances.
• Specialties: All the deities at the Abu Simbel are illuminated by the sun’s rays except the Ptah, the goddess of darkness.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Coptic Orthodox Easter

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Coptic Easter Celebrated after a 55-day fast, Coptic Easter is a joyous occasion marked by midnight vigils, sacred hymns, and feasts featuring traditional dishes like fatta and kahk. It is one of the most famous festivals in Egypt for its deep religious significance and vibrant community celebrations. 

• Location: Coptic churches in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt 
• Date & Time: April and May
• Highlights: You can expect prayers, hymns, Bible readings, candle lighting, and a festive meal.
• Specialties: The Coptic churches host special services and processions during Holy Week
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Coptic Orthodox Christmas

Coptic Christmas Observed on January 7th following a 43-day fast, Coptic Christmas is a deeply spiritual event where families attend midnight services and share bread called qurban. This traditional festival in Egypt reflects the country’s rich Orthodox Christian heritage.

• Location: Coptic churches in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt 
• Date & Time: January
• Highlights: You can expect a festive meal; Families and friends will visit each other and exchange gifts.
• Specialties: The services are held in churches, and families enjoy a festive meal, often including fata and kunafa.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Coptic Orthodox New Year

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Coptic New Year (Nayrouz) Celebrated on September 11th, Nayrouz marks the start of the Coptic year. Families gather for prayer, special meals, and church services, remembering the Coptic martyrs. It’s one of the must-see festivals in Egypt for those interested in cultural traditions.

• Location: Coptic churches in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt 
• Date & Time: September
• Highlights: You can expect a festive meal; Families and friends will visit each other to share greetings and feasts.
• Specialties: Honoring the millions of martyrs who sacrificed their lives as sacrifices of love for the Lord. 
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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El Hijra (Islamic New Year)

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Islamic New Year This reflective day commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. While not as festive as other events, it is a meaningful festival and celebration in Egypt, marked by prayers and personal reflection.

• Location: Mosques, Egypt 
• Date & Time: June
• Highlights: Many Egyptians gather in mosques to pray and listen to sermons
• Specialties: It’s a time to remember the journey and struggles of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Eid Al Ghetass (Epiphany)

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Coptic Christians celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Epiphany is a day of feasting and reflection. Christians make and eat special foods, like qasab, are prepared, and families gather to celebrate this important religious occasion. Some participate in ritualistic dips in water. 

• Location: Coptic churches in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt 
• Date & Time: January
• Highlights: You can expect festive gatherings and cultural traditions, often including processions and special church services
• Specialties: It’s a time to celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Sham Ennessim

Sham Ennessim is one of the seasonal festivals in Egypt. An ancient spring festival celebrated by all Egyptians, Sham Ennessim marks the arrival of spring. Families enjoy picnics outdoors by eating traditional foods like feseekh (fermented fish), colored eggs, and spring onions.

• Location: Celebrated across Egypt 
• Date & Time: Celebrated on the Monday after Orthodox Easter
• Highlights: You can expect people to head to parks, beaches, gardens, and zoos to celebrate the coming of spring and feasting.
• Specialties: You must try the traditional food associated with the holiday.
• Pro Tip: Beware of large crowds and plan your trip in advance.

Ramadan

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The holy month of fasting for Muslims, Ramadan, is a time for prayer, reflection, and charity. Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Evenings are filled with community gatherings and special meals called iftar. The mosques are all lit up, shops are open almost all night, and the streets are decorated in Ramadan themes.

• Location: Across Egypt 
• Date & Time: February- March 
• Highlights: You can expect festive gatherings, cultural traditions, unique traditions, lively nights, and a sense of community.
• Specialties: It’s a time to pray, reflect, and give back to your community. 
• Pro Tip: Be respectful of the traditions and sanctity of the festival 

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Sandbox Music Festival

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Sandbox Music Festival is one of the most celebrated music festivals in Egypt. A 3-day modern electronic music festival at El Gouna, Red Sea. Sandbox attracts a young and vibrant crowd. International and local DJs perform, creating a high-energy atmosphere for music lovers. 

• Location: El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt 
• Date & Time: May
• Highlights: You can expect concerts, gigs, and international and local DJ performances.
• Specialties: It is the best electronic music festival in Egypt, and the tickets start at $200 (INR 17,000).
• Pro Tip: Book your passes in advance to avoid high fees. 

Wafaa Al Nil

Wafaa Al Nil is one of the most unique cultural festivals in Egypt. This festival celebrates the life-giving Nile River. Cultural events, including music, dance, and traditional performances, honor the river’s importance to Egyptian civilization and its role in sustaining life. It is a 2-week festival that is celebrated along the Nile River across Egypt.

• Location: Nile, Egypt 
• Date & Time: August- September
• Highlights: You can expect festive boat rides, dance, colorful costumes, and people offering gifts to the Nile.
• Specialties: It celebrates the flooding of the Nile River that leaves the land nutrient-rich for farming. 
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

Cairo International Film Festival

A prestigious event showcasing Arab and international films, the Cairo International Film Festival attracts filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world. It promotes cultural exchange and celebrates cinematic art. The film festival is a renowned event organized by the Ministry of Culture in Egypt.

• Location: Cairo, Egypt 
• Date & Time: November 
• Highlights: Watch award-winning films, award ceremonies, and workshops
• Specialties: It celebrates Arab culture through films, movies, and documentaries
• Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance to get a spot.

Cairo Bites

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Cario Bites is one of the best food festivals in Egypt. It is a popular food festival in Cairo that offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Local restaurants and food vendors showcase their specialties, giving visitors a taste of Cairo’s vibrant food scene. It is the best place to try local Egyptian cuisine with great live music performances. 

• Location: New Alamein City, Egypt 
• Date & Time: August
• Highlights: You can expect fantastic food stalls, non-stop eating, live cooking with celebrity chefs, and incredible musical performances
• Specialties: More than 100 participating eateries serve over 10,000 visitors of foodies.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

Festival of Sokar (Sugar Festival)

Celebrating the sugar harvest, this festival features traditional music, dance, and, of course, plenty of sweets. It is also called the Festival of Khoiak and is one of the unique festivals celebrated in Egypt. It’s a joyful occasion highlighting the importance of sugar production in Egypt.

• Location: Across Egypt 
• Highlights: You can expect festive gatherings, traditional music, and dance
• Specialties: An annual event to celebrate renewal and growth
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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Opet Festival

Opet Festival is one of the oldest traditional festivals of Egypt. An ancient festival reenacted today, the Opet Festival celebrated the connection between the Luxor and Karnak temples. The festival honors the holy family: God, Amun, his partner Mut, and their son Khonsu. Processions, rituals, and cultural performances bring this ancient tradition to life.

• Location: Luxor, Egypt 
• Date & Time: February
• Highlights: You can expect Music, dance, and hymns dedicated to the Holy Family during the festival.
• Specialties: Ritual procession from Karnak to Luxor Temple and the renewal of divine kingship.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

Cairo Jazz Festival

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The Cairo Jazz Festival brings a diverse range of jazz styles to the city by showcasing local and international jazz musicians. It is one of the most popular music festivals in Egypt. It is a 9-day festival that includes musicians from 15 different countries, various jam sessions, and after-hour club gigs to enjoy. 

• Location: AUC Tahrir Square, Egypt 
• Date & Time: October – November
• Highlights: Concerts, jam sessions, club gigs, workshops, meet & greets 
• Specialties: A grand celebration of Jazz music in the desert. Attend costs start at INR 540 (EGP 310).
• Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance for the best prices and seats.

Cairo International Book Fair

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A major literary event, the Cairo International Book Fair attracts publishers, writers, and readers from across the Arab world and beyond. It features a vast selection of books in various languages. It is the best place to buy local literature and meet eminent authors, writers, and poets from across the globe. 

• Location: Cairo, Egypt 
• Date & Time: January 23 to February 5
• Highlights: Get amazing discounts, meet honorary authors, and buy the latest and obscure Arabic literature
• Specialties: It is the largest book fair in Egypt and gets over 2 million visitors every year
• Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance 

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in Egypt is a vibrant mix of tradition, festivity, and modern celebration. From dazzling fireworks over the Pyramids to elegant Nile River cruises, Egypt welcomes the new year with excitement and joy.

Locals and tourists alike celebrate with parties, music, and gatherings making it one of the most energetic festivals in Egypt. Whether you’re club hopping in Cairo or watching the sunrise in the desert, New Year’s Eve in Egypt promises unforgettable memories.

• Location: Celebrated across Egypt 
• Date & Time: January
• Highlights: You can expect festive gatherings, bonfires, fireworks, parties 
• Specialties: Celebrate the new year by partying, taking a cruise, hot air balloon, or desert safari.
• Pro Tip: Book your plans in advance to avoid paying extra on New Year’s Eve.

Alexandria International Film Festival

The Alexandria International Film Festival is Egypt’s premier celebration of Mediterranean cinema, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from across the region. This 4-day event promotes cultural exchange, artistic dialogue, and showcases a diverse selection of films that reflect Mediterranean life and creativity.

For movie lovers, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore Egypt’s growing film scene while enjoying the beauty and history of the city of Alexandria.

• Location: Alexandria, Egypt 
• Date & Time: November 
• Highlights: You can expect independent feature-length films and shorts of all genres.
• Specialties: A great way to learn about Egyptian movies and cinema
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

Wadi Zalaga and El Arish Camel Races

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Held in the stunning Sinai Peninsula, the Wadi Zalaga and El Arish Camel Races are among the most exciting traditional festivals in Egypt. These thrilling events celebrate Bedouin culture and horsemanship, as tribes gather to compete in camel races across the desert sands.

The day before the race, Bedouins camp under the stars, share tea, and visit neighboring campfires creating a magical cultural experience. It’s one of the most authentic ways to witness Egypt’s desert traditions come to life.

• Location: South Sinai, Egypt 
• Date & Time: January
• Highlights: High-speed camel races, traditional music, and local crafts.
• Specialties: Bedouin tribes compete by placing young boys on their finest camels and racing them through Wadi Zalaga for around 45 minutes.
• Pro Tip: Attend with a local guide or friend to immerse yourself completely.

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FAQs

What festivals are popular in Egypt?

Some of the most popular festivals in Egypt are Ramadan, Cairo Bites, Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, Coptic Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Tourists can join in with the locals to celebrate these festivals. 

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in Egypt?

Some of the best festivals in Egypt are the Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, Ramadan, Coptic Orthodox Easter, Coptic Orthodox Christmas, and Coptic Orthodox New Year. These festivals are the best way to experience Egyptian culture and history. 

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is in the winter season. The winter season begins from October to April, when the weather is cool with light rain.

What is the culture of Egypt?

Egyptian culture is one of the oldest traditions in the world. Its culture mixes ancient Pharaonic traditions, Islamic practices, and Arabic influences. Its unique festivals in Egypt, such as the Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, Ramadan, Coptic Orthodox Christmas, and Western New Year, reflect these influences.