Egypt Live Events
Abu Simbel Sun Festival, the Cairo International Film Festival and Sham el-Nessim
Egypt's live events calendar spans the extraordinary Abu Simbel Sun Festival (a 3,200-year-old solar alignment), the Cairo International Film Festival (one of Africa's most prestigious), Sham el-Nessim (the ancient spring festival celebrated since Pharaonic times), and the Luxor African Film Festival.
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Sham el-Nessim
Egypt's ancient spring festival — celebrated since Pharaonic times
Sham el-Nessim is one of the world's oldest festivals — an ancient Egyptian spring celebration that has been observed continuously since at least 2700 BC, making it one of the oldest holidays still celebrated by any living culture. The name means "smelling the breeze" and the festival marks the beginning of spring. Celebrated on the Monday after Coptic Easter, all Egyptians — Muslim and Christian alike — celebrate by picnicking in parks and gardens, eating traditional foods (salted fish, coloured eggs, lettuce, and spring onions), and spending the day outdoors. It is one of the most joyful and inclusive celebrations in the Arab world.
Event Highlights
- One of the world's oldest continuously observed festivals — since 2700 BC
- Celebrated by all Egyptians regardless of religion — Muslim and Christian alike
- Traditional foods: salted fish (feseekh), coloured eggs, and spring onions
- Picnics in parks and gardens across the country
- A rare moment of national unity and joy in Egypt
What to Do There
- Picnic on the banks of the Nile
- Try traditional Sham el-Nessim foods
- Visit Cairo's parks and gardens
- Join the celebrations in Luxor or Aswan
- Experience the extraordinary atmosphere of a national celebration
Event Info
Next Event
Monday after Coptic Easter — varies annually (April or May)
Location
Nationwide — parks, gardens, and the banks of the Nile
Duration
1 day
Ticket Price
Free — a public holiday
Travel Tips
- ·Fly direct from London to Cairo (5 hours)
- ·The festival is a public holiday — most businesses are closed
- ·The Nile Corniche in Cairo and Luxor is the best place to experience the celebrations
- ·Combine with a visit to the Pyramids and Luxor
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