Egypt Traditions

According to the 1986 census, more than 94 percent of the population is Muslim, and most others - Christians. We present all types of Christianity, especially the Coptic Christian Church. There is also a small Jewish community.

Holidays:

January 7, 2006 - Coptic Christmas Day.

January 10 - The Great Feast.

January 31 - Islamic New Year.

April 24 - Coptic Easter.

25 April - Freedom Day.

May 1 - Labor Day.

June 18 - Evacuation Day.

July 23 - Revolution Day.

Aug. 15 - Wafa'a el Nil (Nile flooding).

September 11 - Coptic New Year.

October 6 - Armed Forces Day.

October 22 - Feast of Bairam (End of Ramadan).

October 24 - Day of Victory in Suez.

December 23 - Victory Day.

Please note that:

Were noted unofficial holidays that mark the Coptic Christians.

Muslim holidays are based on the lunar cycle, and the date mentioned above - are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes the Bairam Holiday, Muslims may eat and drink during the day (evening only) to the holiday. Some restaurants are closed during the day but most tourist attractions and hotels are not close. Some of the different institutions may be closed in a three-day Grand Feast.

The Muslim faith determines the rhythm of life of Egyptians. This is evident from a purely external features: for example, five times a day the muezzin over the loudspeaker shall convene the faithful to prayer. And in the month of Ramadan, the night becomes day. Muslims fast all day and break their fast only after sunset. At this time, social life dies, government agencies are working only from 10.00 to 14.00.

Islamization almost completely eradicated customs Pharaonic era, except, perhaps, belly dance. However, radical Muslims have declared him as an uncompromising war, backed by threat of force, an increasing number of dancers prefer to remain out of work. Incidentally, many of these priestesses of art - the pupils of European schools of dance.

Islam is having on families and society is immeasurably greater impact than Christianity. The basis of secular law in Egypt constitutes a set of rules of Islamic law - Sharia, which, however, operates in a gentle way. For example, in Egypt renounced such strict penalties such as amputation of hands for theft. Attempts were made to reconcile the Sharia and modern legislation.

Egypt - an extremely hospitable country. Visitors are always greeted with open heart. You with interest questions about family, work, about your impressions of Egypt. Also, you are cordially invited to visit, even for a cup of tea.

For Russian citizens travel restrictions on the country there, but the single trip to the south of the country, especially in Luxor and Aswan, undesirable.