Egypt - Events

Ramadan , 09/01/2008 - 09/30/2008

Ramadan is the Muslim festival of fasting, the most important festival in the Islamic calendar, and the celebrations in Egypt are particularly special. The arrival of the crescent moon in the night sky signals the start of 30 days when Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke during the day; all meals are consumed before sunrise and after sunset. Consequently, Cairo's Islamic cafes and coffee shops throng with activity each evening. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting and is a great celebration, where it is common to get together with friends and families for a feast

Pharaohs Rally of Egypt, 10/01/2008 - 10/31/2008

Considered to be second only to the famous Dakar Rally, the annual Pharaohs Rally is a seven-day, seven-stage event across the Sahara. Beginning in the shadow of the pyramids and under the gaze of the Sphinx in Giza, Cairo, participants race off into the desert on a gruelling 3,000km (1,850 miles) circular course that ends up back in the bustling capital. A test of endurance for both drivers and their vehicles, this is tough, thrills and spills event that attract competitors from all over the world

Arabic Music Festival, 11/01/2008 - 11/30/2008

Dedicated to the hypnotic sounds of traditional Arab music, the Arabic Music Festival is one of the leading events of its kind. It attracts some of the best artists, musicians and ensembles from all over the Arab world. The festival is hosted by the stunning Cairo Opera House which opened in 1988 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire in 1971

11/01/2008 - 12/31/2008Cairo International Film Festival

Screening a great range of feature films from directors from all over the world, the 10-day Cairo International Film Festival provides audiences with a truly global screening programme. Featuring American arthouse films alongside those by local Arab filmmakers, this is a great event at which to acquaint yourself with the global film industry. In addition to the many screenings, visitors can also enjoy Q&A sessions and seminars with leading filmmakers and directors

Cairo International Book Fair, 1/01/2009 - 2/28/2009

First held in 1969, the annual Cairo International Book Fair is one of the biggest events of its kind in the Middle East. Attracting exhibitors, authors, buyers and publishers from all over the world, this is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about new books being published with a particular focus on Arab-language titles. In addition to the book exhibition, there is also a programme of cultural events which includes lectures, seminars and special displays

The holiness of this month comes from the fact that it marks the day when the Holy Spirit, Gabriel, started the transmission of God’s message to the prophet Mohammad, fourteen centuries ago. The exact date has never been identified, but it is believed to be on one of the last ten days of this month, which Muslims call "Lailat el-Qadr". According to Islam, the month is dedicated to prayers, as it is believed that it is an occasion to wash one’s sins away and enjoy God’s unlimited mercy.

The principal ritual during Ramadan is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning, even if minor, throughout the whole day, from dawn to sunset. Though the usual daily practice is in most ways normal, Muslims prefer to spend more time praying or reading the Qora’an, particularly at night.

The daily meals become limited to two, the first of which is the "iftar" when fasting is broken just after sunset. The iftar can be a real bonus to tourists, as many of the hotels offer highly competitive specials for ifar. 

The timing of the second meal, "sohour", is variable according to personal preference, but usually delayed as much as possible until just before dawn. In between "iftar" and "sohour", people are allowed to eat as they wish.