For a more accurate planning of your family vacation, business trips, and important events in 2025, check out the official Egyptian calendar. It includes all the major festivals, public holidays, and celebrations.
Overview of Holidays and Festivals in Egypt
There are numerous classifications of holidays in Egypt. Some holidays are religious, while others are secular. Some holidays are fixed on the calendar, while others are movable.
In Egypt, government offices and ministries are closed on Fridays. Furthermore, Saturday is an official resting day for banks and numerous institutes, while Sunday is not officially recognized as a resting day, but it is frequently observed as such by non-governmental organizations and shops that adhere to Christian religious beliefs. Some barbershops and hairdressers elect to close their establishments on Mondays, as opposed to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, when they remain open.
Learn more: How Egyptians Moved Tons Of Rocks To Build Pyramids
Full List of Public Holidays and Observances in Egypt in 2025
Coptic Christmas Day, National holiday, 7 Jan Tuesday
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| Coptic Christmas |
The Coptic Church acknowledges January 7th as the day on which Jesus was born. Orthodox Christmas coincides with this date. Christmas is observed on December 25th in other regions of the world.
The discrepancy in the timing of the Christmas celebrations dates back to 1582, when Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the Catholic Church should adhere to a new calendar known as the Gregorian calendar. This calendar was more closely aligned with the solar calendar than the Julian calendar.
Copts observe a fast on the evening of January 6th, abstaining from food and drink from 3 p.m. to midnight. Additionally, they attend church for a unique liturgy or service.
Some Coptic Christians may observe a 43-day fast prior to Christmas, which they break after mass on Coptic Christmas Day. In contrast to the Easter fast, which is vegan, the Christmas fast allows seafood.
On Orthodox Christmas Day, individuals gather in their homes for parties and celebrations.
A dish that is particularly popular during Coptic Christmas is fattah, which is a combination of crispy bread, meat, and rice.
In addition, Ethiopian Orthodox Church members prepare a stew known as “wat,” which is made from a rooster that is divided into 12 parts, symbolizing the 12 apostles. This stew is consumed in conjunction with 12 whole eggs.
Revolution Day January 25, National holiday, 25 Jan Saturday
Both of Egypt’s public holidays honor the Revolution Day. On July 23, the anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution is celebrated as Revolution Day.
Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who had served for 30 years, was forced out of office in 2011 after demonstrations began on January 25th, a date commemorated as Revolution Day.
Protests against Mubarak started on January 25, 2011, in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, and they were a part of the “Arab Spring” movement. It appeared as though Mubarak had a firm grasp on power, as his party had ruled the country since 1976. However, his regime was overthrown after an 18-day uprising spearheaded by one million people.
Even after President Mubarak announced his resignation on January 29, the protesters persisted in their refusal to disperse. His resignation came as a complete surprise on February 11, and the protest quickly turned into a party.
More than 5,000 people lost their lives during the “revolution” of 2011, which lasted for about 2.5 weeks. On occasion, both the protesters and the government resorted to physical force in an effort to suppress the unrest. However, as a result of the 25 January Revolution, Egypt finally got a new president and ushered in a new political era.
Everyone who works for the government or for a company with ties to the public, private, or business sectors is eligible for paid vacation on the public holiday.
Ramadan Start (Tentative Date), Observance, 2 Mar Sunday
The ninth month in the Islamic calendar is called Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramadhan or Ramzan. Muslims all across the world dedicate this time to prayer, fasting, charitable giving, and religious observance. Since it marks the occasion when the Prophet Muhammad (also known as Muhammad or Muhammad) received the first revelations of the Koran (also known as the Qu’ran), the final third of Ramadan is especially sacred.
Start of Ramadan is a public holiday. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most people have the day off.
Eid el Fitr, National Holiday, 31 Mar Monday
In Egypt, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with a lot of religious zeal and general joy. The national holiday is on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which comes right after Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer, and devotion that lasts for one month. One of the most important events for Muslims to remember.
People in Egypt don’t go to work, school, or the government during Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the national holidays. On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, people go to religious services for prayer, readings from the Koran, and sermons. Then they party for three days straight. Family gatherings are very important, but there are also a lot of public events and even TV and radio shows with “Eid themes.”
Egypt has a lot of food on Eid. Folks love kahk, a cookie with nuts inside and powdered sugar on top. Eating Egyptian dates, drinking “Qamar,” a nutty apricot juice, eating spiced lentil soup, and eating “Mahshi,” a rice dish, are all tasty traditions. At this time of year, people also like to eat fried eggplant, chicken, and potatoes with special seasonings, as well as a “green chicken soup” called “Molokhia.”
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Eid el Fitr Holiday, National holiday, 1 Apr Tuesday
Eid el Fitr Holiday, National holiday, 2 Apr Wednesday
18 Apr Friday, Coptic Good Friday, Observance
A lot of Orthodox Christians remember what happened before Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, which is also called “Great Friday.” Most Orthodox churches still use some form of the Julian calendar, which is older than the Gregorian calendar that most churches use today. This means that the dates they use for Easter are often different from the dates churches in the West use.
Copts On Good Friday, everyone is off. People in general have the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed.
That year, 2025, it’s a Friday, so some businesses might choose to stay open all day.
19 Apr Saturday Coptic Holy Saturday Observance
20 Apr Sunday Coptic Easter Sunday Observance
Spring Festival, National holiday, 21 Apr Monday
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| Paining eggs is a tradition during the Easter period. |
On the Monday following Orthodox Easter Sunday, many Orthodox churches across the globe observe Easter.
A public holiday is Spring Festival. Everyone has the day off, and most places of employment and educational institutions are off as well.
Sinai Liberation Day National holiday, 25 Apr Friday
Egypt’s national holiday is Sinai Liberation Day, which is held every year on April 25.
Egypt celebrates this day as the day that all Israeli military forces left the Sinai Peninsula for good in 1982, following the Camp David peace accords that were negotiated by the US in 1979.
Egypt was getting ready to attack Israel in 1967, but Israel attacked first in the Sinai, destroying Egypt’s air force in particular. Israel quickly took over the Sinai and reached the Suez Canal. Israeli troops stayed in the Sinai for 15 years, but they finally left, giving the area back to Egypt.
Some people tried to get Israel to leave Sinai between 1967 and 1970 by starting the “War of Attrition” and refusing to talk. That try, though, failed. In 1973, there was another failed attempt to take back the Sinai. An agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1975, and then a treaty signed in 1979, made it possible for Egypt to slowly take back control of the Sinai Peninsula.
Labor Day, National holiday, 1 May Thursday
Egypt celebrates Labour Day on 1 May, although there is a possibility of shifting the date to the first Monday of May to facilitate a long weekend. Many businesses and schools close for the day, allowing most workers to enjoy a day off.
Labour Day honors the progress made in improving the treatment of workers worldwide, a result of the efforts of labor unions and related movements over the past two hundred years. It aligns with Egypt’s national Labour Day holiday and is truly its equivalent.
A significant number of Egyptian workers continue to believe that further advancements are necessary to safeguard against the exploitation of laborers. Labour Day serves as a significant occasion each year when media, labor unions, and government officials highlight ongoing issues and propose solutions.
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Arafat Day, National holiday, 6 Jun Friday
Arafat Day is recognized as a public holiday. Today is a holiday for everyone, with schools and the majority of businesses closed.
In 2025, it will occur on a Friday, and certain businesses might opt to adhere to Friday opening hours.
Eid al-Adha, National holiday, 7 Jun Saturday
Eid al-Adha is recognized as a national holiday in Egypt, similar to other Islamic nations. The feast honors Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in complete obedience to Allah.
It is believed that Allah intervened to stop Ibrahim from completing the sacrifice of Ishmael at the final moment, indicating that it was merely a test of Ibrahim’s faith. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate Ibrahim’s obedience by sacrificing a sheep, goat, or other livestock. On this day, the streets will teem with livestock, and the slaughterhouses will experience a significant surge in activity.
Individuals unable to afford their own sacrificial animal will typically receive meat from a Muslim family that has performed the slaughter.
The initial activity on Eid al-Adha is to participate in early morning prayers at the local mosque or another designated location. Immediately following the mosque visit, individuals proceed to sacrifice an animal and then gather for a celebratory feast with family and friends.
Many will also wear their finest clothing, visit family members, exchange small presents, give treats and sweets to children, and participate in various cultural and religious celebrations on Eid al-Adha.
8 Jun Sunday Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday
9 Jun Monday Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) National holiday
Islamic New Year, National Holiday, 26 Jun
The Islamic New Year is celebrated as an annual public holiday in Egypt. On Awal Muharram, the first day of the month of Muharram, Egyptian Muslims may engage in prayer, attend the mosque, or even observe a night fast, similar to other Muslims. However, Egypt observes the Islamic New Year in distinct ways compared to other Islamic nations.
During Awal Muharram, residents of Cairo and other major cities in Egypt participate in Islamic New Year celebrations that showcase attractions like traditional Sufi dancers.
The atmosphere is filled with singing, dancing, and celebration, as individuals don new attire, reconnect with family and friends, partake in New Year’s festivities, and enjoy a bountiful feast. Children frequently receive “dolls” crafted from candy and sweets.
As soon as the Grand Mufti at the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo declares the moon-sighting that signifies the start of a new year, a festive atmosphere takes hold. That contrasts significantly with the majority of Muslim countries, where the Islamic New Year is observed with a sense of solemnity.
Muharram, National holiday, 27 Jun Friday
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| A lantern is often used as a symbol for the month of Muharram, the Islamic month of mourning. |
In accordance with the lunar Islamic calendar, which is distinct from the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic New Year is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month.
Holidays are observed on Muharram. Everyone has the day off, and most places of employment and educational institutions are off as well.
Since it’s a Friday in 2025, some stores might decide to stay open later.
June 30 Revolution, National holiday, 30 Jun Monday
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| Revolution Day June 30 |
On June 30, 2013, Egypt saw huge protests against president Morsi, who had been elected after the revolution that ousted president Mubarak. This day is celebrated as 30 June Revolution Day. Now, Morsi was also removed from power in the 2013 revolution because he did things that were very unpopular as president.
Around 14 million people protested against Morsi’s attempts to take over more power at the end of 2012, and the economy was in bad shape at the same time. This led to a successful coup on July 3, 2013.
A lot of people who celebrate the 30th of June Revolution might not celebrate the 25th of January Revolution, and the other way around. Revolution Day is the only holiday that people from all sides celebrate.
If June 30 falls on a Friday or Saturday, which is a holiday in Egypt, the 30 June Revolution will happen either the Thursday before or the Sunday after.
Day off for June 30 Revolution, National holiday, 3 Jul Thursday
6 Jul Sunday Ashura (Tentative Date) Observance
Ashura is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Revolution Day July 23 National holiday, 23 Jul Wednesday
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| Revolution Day |
Egypt observes Revolution Day on July 23 as a national holiday, which is always observed on that day.
Today is the 53rd anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution. It’s Egypt’s National Day, the country’s largest secular public holiday.
There are televised concerts and military parades to commemorate the public holiday. The president of Egypt praises the revolution in a public statement to formally mark the day.
Since the military coup d’état started on the evening before July 23, 1952, celebrations start on July 22.
Day off for Revolution Day July 23, National holiday, 24 Jul Thursday
15 Aug Friday Flooding of the Nile Observance
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Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday, National holiday, 6 Sep Saturday
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| Halawet Al-Mouled |
On Rabi al-Awwal 12, Egypt commemorates the birthdate of Prophet Muhammad. According to one tradition, the Egyptian nobility first observed Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebrations in the early years of Islam. The custom is still observed today and is recognized as a national public holiday.
While some Muslims in Egypt disagree that Mawlid al-Nabi, also known as “the prophet’s birthday,” should be observed as a religious holiday, the majority actively celebrate. Every year on this day, the streets and mosques of Cairo and other major cities are illuminated, and large crowds of people are seen moving through the streets.
The prophet’s birthday is celebrated, as it is in other Muslim countries, with special mosque prayers, the recitation of the Quran, and gatherings with friends and family. It’s also a time when candy and treats are given to children and food is donated to the underprivileged in Egypt.
The most unique Mawlid custom in Egypt is presenting children with candies shaped like dolls. Frequently, the candies dolls are adorned in textile attire or even carrying a paper accordion.
11 Sep Thursday Nayrouz Observance
Nayrouz is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Armed Forces Day, National holiday, 6 Oct Monday
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| Armed Forces Day |
Egypt observes Armed Forces Day, a national holiday, on October 6 every year.
It also signifies the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, or October War, which began in 1973 against Israel. Egypt commemorates the date as one of its most important yearly celebrations, marking both the Suez Canal crossing and its victory over Israel. To celebrate the victory and honor the nation’s military personnel who gave their lives in battle, the date was designated as a national holiday for the general public.
Fireworks and massive military parades are held to commemorate the holiday. Opponents of peace with Israel assassinated President Anwar Sadat during one of the parades on Armed Forces Day in 1981.
Day off for Armed Forces Day, National holiday, 9 Oct Thursday
Armed Forces Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
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