the Holy season through December and January
Christmas is a beloved time for Christians around the world, often celebrated in distinctly local ways. An estimated 10% of the population of Egypt are Christian, the majority are orthodox Coptic and there are also Catholics, some Greek Orthodox and other denominations. Many practice distinctively Egyptian Christmas traditions.
Orthodox Christians use the older Julian Calendar, other Christians use the Gregorian Calendar, and the result is that Christmas here is celebrated by some on 24/25 December and by Copts and other Orthodox Christians on 6/7 January, with 7 January being a national holiday.
Now it is usual to see Christmas trees and lights celebrating both dates in the streets and at churches from early December.
Whichever date Christians in Egypt celebrate, the spirit of Christmas remains focused on family and friends, generosity and enjoying time together.
Coptic Christians take part in the Holy Nativity Fast, which requires a strict vegan diet – no animal-based products such as meat, eggs or milk – for 43 days before Christmas (Advent), from November 25th to January 6th. The spirit of this fast is of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity to others, similar to the ideals and practices of Ramadan for the Muslims of Egypt.
The Christmas feast is held on Christmas Eve. The Coptic Christmas meal is similar to many Western Christmas meals, but with more traditional Egyptian dishes. Depending on the economic circumstances of a family, there may be turkey, and many other dishes which may include fatteh (a rich tasting dish with layers of toasted flat bread, rice, broth and meat) and warak einab (stuffed vine leaves). On Christmas day, friends and family gather at homes and usually give kahk (sweet biscuits, also a tradition for Muslims celebrating Eid at the conclusion of Ramadan).
Baba Noel (Santa Claus) also symbolizes the spirit of giving and generosity, but in Egypt he enters homes through the window as there are few chimneys here. While gift giving has become more popular at both Christmas dates, traditionally Coptic Christian families give money to the younger family members on Christmas Eve.
some churches and monasteries of Egypt, in Alexandria, Cairo,
Sharm el Sheikh, Saint Catherine and Wadi Natrun
Egypt has many beautiful churches, from those many hundreds of years old which claim ties to the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt, to beautiful modern cathedrals designed to hold thousands of worshippers. Coptic churches may feature a nativity scene in their courtyard in the days leading to Christmas, similar to those seen in Italy and other countries.
Many Christians attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and Coptic Christians also have a night service on their Christmas Eve, 6 January. The service usually starts around 10pm and continues until after midnight. An essential element of services is music, and this often includes traditional instruments combined with the voices of the congregation. You can hear an example in the video above.
Coptic Christians also attend special services during the month before Christmas, the fourth Coptic month known as Kiahk. Along with the usual Sunday Service, Saturday night services are also important.
We include historic churches in Old Cairo in our Cairo tours, and on request we can add to your tour other historic and significant churches and monasteries throughout Egypt.
Contact our Travel Advisors email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +201100022242
Churches in Alexandria, Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh
REAL EGYPT WISHES ALL WHO CELEBRATE A PEACEFUL AND SPIRITUALLY REWARDING CHRISTMAS.
Photos thanks to our team members Yasmine, Sohaila, Youssif, and @mindseyephotographyegypt
Coptic Christmas Music in video thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@EvgenySkuratChronos
