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Public Holidays in Egypt: 10 Celebrations Worth Knowing
Public holidays in Egypt reflect the country's Islamic festivals, Coptic Christian traditions, ancient seasonal customs and modern national commemorations. Understanding these celebrations helps travelers plan around busy transport, changing opening hours and memorable local experiences.
Egypt Public Holidays in 2026: Official Dates
Egypt's Presidency publishes the official national holiday calendar. For 2026, the declared days off cover religious, seasonal and national occasions. Some anniversaries are observed on a different weekday from their historical date.
Official Day Off |
Holiday |
Type |
|---|---|---|
January 7 |
Coptic Christmas Day |
Religious |
January 29 |
January 25 Revolution & National Police Day |
National |
March 19–23 |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
Religious |
April 13 |
Sham el-Nessim |
Seasonal |
April 25 |
Sinai Liberation Day |
National |
May 7 |
Day Off for Labor Day |
National |
May 26 |
Arafat Day |
Religious |
May 27–31 |
Eid al-Adha Holiday |
Religious |
June 18 |
Islamic New Year Holiday |
Religious |
July 2 |
Day Off for June 30 Revolution |
National |
July 23 |
July 23 Revolution Day |
National |
August 27 |
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday |
Religious |
October 6 |
Armed Forces Day |
National |
Coptic Christmas — January 7
Coptic Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and is an official holiday in Egypt. The celebration includes Christmas Eve liturgy, followed by family gatherings and festive meals after the Nativity fast.
Travelers can learn about Egypt's Coptic Christian heritage during this period. However, churches remain active places of worship, so respect clothing requirements, photography restrictions and congregation space.
If Coptic heritage is part of your Cairo itinerary, explore our Old Cairo churches guide.
Ramadan in Egypt
Ramadan is one of the most atmospheric times of the year in Egypt, but the entire month is not a public holiday. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and evenings come alive with iftar meals, suhoor, mosque prayers, lanterns and gatherings.
Some businesses adjust opening hours. Traffic can be heavy before sunset, while restaurants become particularly busy around iftar.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan. Families gather, children receive gifts or money, special sweets are shared, and public spaces become busy with family outings.
Book popular accommodation and long-distance transport early because domestic travel demand can rise during the holiday.
Sham el-Nessim — Egypt's Spring Celebration
Sham el-Nessim is one of Egypt's oldest seasonal celebrations. It takes place on the Monday after Coptic Orthodox Easter and is observed nationally as a public holiday.
Families traditionally gather in parks, gardens and areas along the Nile. Popular foods include colored eggs, green onions and salted fish, including feseekh.
Public parks and waterfronts can become crowded, so it is better to avoid an overly strict sightseeing schedule.
Holiday Travel Can Affect Trips Beyond Cairo
Major Eid periods and extended weekends increase travel across Egypt. If your route includes remote destinations, plan accommodation and transport in advance.
This is especially important for trips requiring long road transfers or organized desert excursions.
Sinai Liberation Day — April 25
Sinai Liberation Day commemorates the restoration of Egyptian sovereignty over Sinai in 1982, following the peace process after the 1973 war.
Travelers may notice official commemorations and altered government or banking hours.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important Islamic festivals and follows Arafat Day during the Hajj season.
Families attend prayers, gather for meals and share sacrificial meat with relatives and people in need. This is also a busy domestic travel period.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram and the Hijri lunar calendar. Its Gregorian date changes every year.
Celebrations are generally quieter than Eid, but government and banking schedules may still be affected.
July 23 Revolution Day
July 23 commemorates Egypt's 1952 Revolution and remains an official national public holiday.
The correct name is July 23 Revolution Day, rather than simply calling it Egypt's National Day.
Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. In Egypt, sweets are strongly associated with the occasion, alongside religious gatherings and local traditions.
Its Gregorian date changes annually because it follows the Hijri calendar.
Armed Forces Day — October 6
October 6 commemorates the beginning of the 1973 October War. The official holiday name is Armed Forces Day.
Patriotic events, media programming and official ceremonies may mark the anniversary.
Why October 6 Matters in Egypt's Modern Calendar
The October 6 holiday has an important place in Egyptian national memory. It is useful for visitors to understand its significance without assuming every city organizes major street celebrations.
Museums, cultural institutions and official media may mark the anniversary. Government offices and other institutions follow the declared holiday schedule.
Other Official Holidays Travelers Should Know
Ten major celebrations do not cover every official public holiday in Egypt. The national calendar also includes January 25 Revolution and National Police Day, Labor Day and the June 30 Revolution.
How Public Holidays Can Affect Your Egypt Trip
- Banks and government offices may close on official holidays.
- Domestic transport can be busier around Eid.
- Some attractions may adjust opening hours.
- Restaurants may be particularly busy at sunset during Ramadan.
- Parks and Nile promenades can be crowded on Sham el-Nessim.
- Book trains, domestic flights and popular hotels earlier around long weekends.
- Confirm attraction opening hours shortly before your visit.
- Respect worshippers and avoid intrusive photography during religious services.
Planning a longer trip during Eid, Christmas or Sham el-Nessim? Compare our Egypt tour packages to combine Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises and other destinations while allowing for holiday travel demand.
For everyday customs and gratuities, read our tipping culture in Egypt guide. For evening experiences, see our Egypt nightlife and Nile cruise guide.
Check Attraction Hours Around Public Holidays
Major archaeological attractions often remain open during holidays, but hours, visitor demand and transport arrangements can change.
Confirm current information before visiting, particularly when an attraction requires a long transfer or early departure.
The same applies to organized day trips. During Eid and long weekends, confirm pickup times and availability in advance.
Is Ramadan a Good Time to Visit Egypt?
Yes, especially if you are interested in the country's cultural atmosphere. Historic districts such as Islamic Cairo can be particularly lively after sunset, with lanterns, gatherings and busy streets.
Travelers should also allow for changes in business hours and heavier traffic shortly before iftar.
For ideas on historic streets and cultural stops, explore our Islamic Cairo attractions guide.
Plan Around Egyptian Holidays, Not Against Them
Public holidays in Egypt can add cultural depth to your journey. From Coptic Christmas and the two Eids to Sham el-Nessim and major national commemorations, each occasion offers a different perspective on Egyptian life.
Check the official dates, reserve transport early when demand is high and keep your itinerary flexible enough to enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Public Holidays
How many public holidays does Egypt have?
The number of official days off varies because multi-day Eid holidays and government decisions change the annual calendar.
Is Ramadan a public holiday in Egypt?
No. Ramadan is a month of fasting and major religious importance, but the entire month is not a public holiday. Eid al-Fitr is.
When is Coptic Christmas in Egypt?
Coptic Christmas Day is January 7 and is an official public holiday.
Does Egypt celebrate Christmas on December 25?
Some communities and hotels observe December 25, but the official Coptic Christmas holiday is January 7.
When is Sham el-Nessim?
It falls on the Monday after Coptic Orthodox Easter, so the Gregorian date changes each year.
Are tourist attractions closed on public holidays?
Not necessarily. Many attractions remain open, but opening hours, capacity and services can change. Confirm before visiting.
Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year and Mawlid follow the Hijri lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates move each year.
Plan Your Egypt Trip Around Local Celebrations
Visiting during Ramadan, Eid, Coptic Christmas or another major holiday can make your itinerary more memorable when transport, attraction hours and travel pace are planned in advance.