Home to two of the Ancient Wonders of the world and a rich cultural history, Egyptians also have a celebratory side that is often overlooked.
Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern country, arising in the tenth millennium BC as one of the world’s first nation states. Considered a cradle of civilisation, Ancient Egypt experienced some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, organised religion and central government. Iconic monuments such as the Giza Necropolis and its Great Sphinx, as well the ruins of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, reflect this legacy and remain a significant focus of archaeological study and popular interest worldwide.
Egypt’s rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its national identity, having endured, and at times assimilated, various foreign influences, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and European. Although Christianised in the first century of the Common Era, it was subsequently Islamised due to the Islamic conquests of the seventh century. This influence can also be seen in the festivals of Egypt. While most cultural or religious festivals have either Islamic or Christian influence, there are several modern age festivals celebrating the beauty of music, both local and international. These festivals do not follow the same commercial M.O. of westernized music festivals, but rather to transcend religion and race to connect everyone as a community.
3alganoob
3alganoob is the first camping music festival of its kind to be held in Egypt and the Middle East. The festival aims to support and promote tourism at new locations in Egyptβs South. It also aims to attract more guests to hotels, camps, and local restaurants, benefiting tribes-people living in the area. 3alganoob festival was born in 2013 bringing 350 people together for 3 days of amazing independent movies, live bands, jamming sessions, drum circles, yoga sessions, and beach cleanups. 3 local bands participated in the festival. In 2014, 3alganoob came back with a bigger line-up of 19 bands from Egypt, Lebanon and Sudan and brought 1200 guests to Marsa Alam for 3 days of non-stop music, in addition to 3alganoobβs traditions of jamming sessions, drum circles, yoga sessions and beach cleanups.
Oshtoora
Oshtoora is a festival of music and arts, a collective of like minded initiatives and an ongoing experiment. The festival is inspired by nature in both its design and operation. Set-up in a different location every year nothing but stories are left behind. Oshtoora is a participatory gathering. Realizing that it is only as strong as its surrounding community, Oshtoora is powered by its participants, collaborators, volunteers, friends and families. The festival is now looking into an alternate financial model where every supporter becomes a sponsor to ensure the festival’sΒ sustainability and independence.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is a music festival that brings together free-spirited individuals to appreciate underground music, enjoy nature and embrace a simple lifestyle. The 3 day music festival held in Sinai, Egypt brings together a diverse selection of bands, artists and workshops to allow free self-expression and promote a more natural way of life. The festival aims to empower the underground music community and provide music fans with the opportunity to directly experience musical bliss and Sinaiβs magic.
The International Samaaβ Festival for Spiritual Music and Chanting
Organized by the Ministry of Culture The International Samaa’ (Hearing) Festival For Spiritual Music & Chanting is held at the spectacular Salah Eldin Citadel, Kobbet El Ghoury, and El Hanager Art Center (Opera House).Β The festival aims to introduce the various arts, cultures and religious heritages of the colorful nations all over the world.
Cairo Jazz Festival
In 2009 the first annual Cairo Jazz Festival (CJF) was founded by pianist, composer and producer Amro Salah driven by the passion to celebrate Jazz and paying tribute to one of the unique forms of music that magically diffuses and overwhelms humans all over the planet from Alaska to New Zealand. Jazz has become a global phenomenon and has affected humanity due to its being a human experience more than being a Music style. Cairo Jazz Festival aims to widespread Jazz to reach more people not only as a music genre but as a thought and a life experience with its ideas, freedom of expression and innovation.
Arabic Music Festival
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The Arabic Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates classic, traditional Arabic music. The main venue for the event is the Cairo Opera House, which was opened in 1988 after the original building was destroyed by fire in 1971. Located on Gezira Island in the Nile River, the Opera House is part of a cultural district that includes the Museum of Egyptian Modern Arts and the El Hangar Theatre. The Arabic Music Festival was first held there in 1992. Since then, the festival has been an occasion when the top Arabic instrumentalists, singers, and ensembles from around the world gather to perform. Homage is paid to established performers, and upcoming new talent is frequently introduced here. A cash prize is given to the musical act judged to be the best in the festival. Awards are also given to those who have made significant contributions to the field of Arabic music in the previous year. A conference to discuss topics related to Arabic music is also an integral part of the event.
Ramadan
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Being an Islamic country, Ramadan is one of the most important religious festivals in Egypt.Β Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29β30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
Eid al-Adha
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Eid al-Adha, also called the “Sacrifice Feast” or “Bakr-Eid”, is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holiest of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command, before God then intervened, through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informs him that his sacrifice has already been accepted. The meat from the sacrificed animal is preferred to be divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
Moulids
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Moulid, meaning birthday in Arabic, is a celebration of a holy person. It is celebrated by Muslims and Christians in Egypt to honor their Saints. Although most Moulids are Muslim, some Coptic Saints are also honored in similar celebrations. From May till October, Coptic Moulids take place from the Nile Delta to Assyut.Β Islamic Moulids are regulated by the Lunar Islamic Calendar. The Moulid is not considered to be a proper custom by many Muslims as it is not part of the religion, but rather a popular tradition of the Muslim life.
Coptic Holidays
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Coptic Christmas and Coptic Easter are both national holidays in Egypt. In recent years western influence has changed the way Christmas is celebrated in the country with more Santa hats, Christmas lights and Christmas trees than before.Β Coptic Easter also coincides with a much older holiday that traces its roots back to Pharaonic times called Sham al-Nessim. The name literally means βsniffing the breezeβ and it is a celebration of the arrival of spring that usually takes place in April. The holiday carries some traditions that might be familiar as they parallel the Western celebration of Easter, such as egg painting. In general, Sham al-Nessim is celebrated outdoors with families enjoying picnics in green spaces and enjoying eating specific foods like a type of pickled fish called fesheekh.