Each year Egypt receives millions of visitors from all over the world. During the holy month of Ramadan, there is a significant increase in the number of visitors from Arab and Muslim countries as they come to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of Egyptian cities during holy month. Have you ever thought of visiting Egypt during Ramadan? Is there anything you need to know before your trip? And, why do people say Ramadan in Egypt is distinctive? In this article I explain what makes Ramadan an important time for Egyptians, to let you know what cultural experiences are awaiting you and what you can expect.
- Doaa Yousef
- Last Checked and/or Updated 10 March 2024
- No Comments
- Egypt, Travel Tips
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is called ‘Hijri year’. Ramadan not only has a special place in the hearts of Muslims, it is also the most important month of the year . It includes several traditions and religious, spiritual, and social individualities in addition to so much joy and happiness.
The purpose is to spend the month praying and doing good deeds and to repent from all sins and misdeeds. Muslims usually describe the month of Ramadan as a guest that we must welcome in the most pleasant way.
Egypt is known among Muslims and Arabs as one of the top destinations to visit during the holy month of Ramadan. Rich traditions offer a unique experience, which is quite different to that found in other Muslim countries. From pleasurable gatherings and delicious food, to delightful decorations and spiritual rituals, there is a great atmosphere at this time. Every Muslim wants to experience this, and local Christians enjoy this time just as much. It is also a wonderful time of the year in Egypt, and so there are many international visitors from all over the world. Whatever your faith, or none, Ramadan is a perfect time to visit Egypt, with an entire month of deep cultural experiences.
Quick Tips for Tourists Visiting Egypt During Ramadan
Traditional Ramadan Greeting
The traditional greeting for Ramadan is: “Ramadan Kareem”. It is used to wish a happy Ramadan, and refers to generosity and kindness. The reply to this is ‘Allah Akram’, which means ‘God is the most generous and most perfect in His attributes’.
In Arabic, Allah means God. Muslims prefer not to translate the word to other languages out of respect. Because of this, some who don’t speak Arabic misunderstand the term thinking it is the name of ‘a god’, such as the ancient Egyptian gods Amun or Osiris.
Can Tourists Eat During Ramadan?
It is ok for visitors to Egypt to eat in the day during Ramadan as you’re not expected to fast. But it would be greatly appreciated if you avoid eating in front of someone who is fasting as he/she will feel hungry when seeing or smelling food.
Buying Food & Drink During Ramadan
Don’t worry if you want to buy food and/or drink during the day when Egyptians are fasting ,or even at night. Most of the food markets are open 24/7 during Ramadan. For some reason, Kosher restaurants are closed during Ramadan. Sometimes they open during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Check Opening Hours During Ramadan
Make sure to check Ramadan opening times for sites and museums before your visit. Also, your tour guide might be fasting. It would be kind if you extend some sensitivity, understanding that he/she may very well feel tired.
Invitatons to Iftar or Suhur
If you’re invited for Iftar, then you can buy your host some desserts. For Suhur, you can buy yogurt because people prefer to eat yogurt before fasting to keep them hydrated. But also, it’s totally fine if you don’t buy anything.
Avoiding Crowds
Make sure to return to your hotel (or to reach your destination) one hour before Iftar because crowds of people will be trying to reach their destinations in the same time.
Avoid gardens and major archaeological sites and museums during Eid, such as Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
Buying a Fanoos
China has found a way to manufacture millions of Ramadan lanterns every year. If you’re going to buy a Fanoos, it would be great to purchase a handmade one, made in Egypt to support local craftsmen.
Site & Museum Timings Issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Before Ramadan: Lilat al ro’yah
The Islamic Calendar is a lunar calendar. This means the start of a new lunar cycle marks the end of one month and the beginning of the next. Accordingly, each month can have 29 or 30 days. Of course we now have reliable technology that can predict the date of a new moon, but Muslims are keen to follow the old traditions when it comes to the observation of the crescent. The Ramadan crescent is surveyed at a fixed date every year on the 29th of the month of Shaban, the month before Ramadan, and this is what is called Lilat al ro’yah, which means the night of observation.
Muslims around the world wait for the moment every year when governments officially announce whether the Ramadan crescent has been observed or not. If not then Ramadan starts the day after the next. If it has been observed then Ramadan starts the next day. Only then can the rituals and other celebrations start and Tarawih prayers take place. If you’re in Egypt on that day, you will notice that everyone is talking about this topic, waiting for the results of observation.
Celebrating the beginning of Ramadan
Ramadan decorations
People usually start to decorate the streets a week before Ramadan. People who live in the same street often come together and collect money and make attractive decorations, which include the typical Ramadan lanterns and strings of lights and shapes of the crescent moon. These are joyous moments, and I encourage you to attend some of these events to enjoy an atmosphere of fun and excitement. You can just go ahead and offer your help. You will be most welcome.
According to the writer and jurist Abu-Bakr Al-Gassas, Ramadan decorations started in the Tulunid Dynasty (868 and 905 AD). Locals started to use colourful cloth to make their decorations. Later, paper was used until in modern times when electrical decorations began to be widely used. Ramadan decorations are both outdoor and indoor. People decorate the streets, mosques, balconies, as well as the rooms inside their houses. This is done in a casual and basic style rather than lavish and ostentatious. Sometimes people even make their own decorations at home using paper rather than buying ready-to-use decorations. This is to reflect joy and happiness as Ramadan. With the effect of the wind, the decorations make a pleasant sound similar to rain or waterfalls. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes make sure to decorate their spaces so the customers can feel the spirit of Ramadan . And local and visiting patrons are encouraged to take photos and videos.
Traditional decorations of Ramadan use specific patterns. These are patterns that have long been used in wedding pavilions, and are still in use in many places in Egypt to this day. This link between Ramadan and weddings is intended to convey happiness and enjoyment, as if it’s a wedding that lasts for 30 days. Ramadan decorations also include Arabic calligraphy and representations only associated with Ramadan. These include celebrities from Ramadan TV shows, the crescent, the lantern, and the Ramadan Cannon. Whenever you see these, you know instantly they are decorations for Ramadan only.
The Ramadan Lantern - Fanoos
The idea of Ramadan lanterns (fanoos) came from people’s need for lighting at the night when they go to mosques for prayers. It became more of a tradition as the number of people who join prayers at mosques increases during Ramadan. As the lantern became a distinctive Ramadan tradition it took on beautiful shapes and colours. Starting in the Fatimid dynasty (909-1171 AD), craftsmen in Cairo began to make lanterns for Ramadan before the start of the holy the month, which would later become a worldwide tradition for Muslims. Another story about the lantern’s association connection to Ramadan suggests that people in the Fatimid dynasty used lanterns to observe Ramadan crescent.
Today, there is a sense of excitement when lanterns start to appear in the shops in the lead up to Ramadan. For us it’s a sign of the impending start of Ramadan and the season of happiness and joy. Everyone makes sure to buy lanterns to decorate their houses and streets, we even buy each child a lantern. And for women, it is a sign of love when their men buy them lanterns as gifts.
Ramadan lanterns vary in shape and the materials used, including tinplate, wood, glass, and plastic. But most people still prefer a more traditional type made with tinplate and stained glass. Lanterns are usually decorated Islamic motifs and calligraphy. Their size varies considerably, from a few centimetres to as much as four meters height. In the past candles were placed inside for light, whereas today lamps are used. Many include electric lamps and can even play Ramadan songs.
Fanoos making is a seasonal business which depends on people’s longing for Ramadan and its appealing atmosphere. If you’re in Egypt in the run up to, or during Ramadan I strongly urge you to visit a fanoos store to experience their diverse designs. You might even buy one as a souvenir of your time in Egypt. If you know Muslim children, then a fanoos will make a perfect gift.
Mesaharaty
Al-Mesaharaty is a position that only lasts for 30 days each year. The job description is very simple: use a small drum and walk the streets of Egypt and call for people to eat something before fasting.
This tradition might seem a bit strange in today’s life but Al-Mesaharaty was very important in the past as he comes before sunrise to awake Muslims so they can prepare themselves for fasting by eating and drinking, and praying if they want to. This is one of the distinctive traditions of Ramadan. While most people are already awake when he arrives nowadays, it still gives us great pleasure to hear his voice and the sound of his drum. Children are the happiest to see Al-Mesaharaty. When they hear him, they run into the streets or onto their balconies and ask him to say their names, accompanied with much-loved titles for their future: “wake up Dr Youssef, wake up Engineer Mohamed”.
Al- Mesaharaty starts his job when Ramadan crescent is announced, that is one day before Ramadan. Every Mesaharaty has a neighbourhood to work. He comes every night between 01h00 and 03h00, except for the last day of Ramadan when he comes in the evening to say goodbye and to wish everyone Happy Eid (feast). The history of this role dates back to the Fatimid dynasty (909-1171 AD) when the Caliphs ordered their soldiers to walk to people’s homes to awake them
for suhur (the meal eaten before fasting).
As Al-Mesaharaty role is non-official he is not paid a salary, so it is customary to give him tips. It would be greatly appreciated if you also tipped him. And why not interact with him, tell him your name so he can call you the same way he calls Egyptians for suhur. It’s understandable that international visitors may find it annoying to be disturbed around 02h00 in the morning, but think about this action in the larger context of heritage and the keeping of ancient traditions alive.
Ramadan Cannon
The Ramadan cannon is a traditional way of signalling it is time to break the fast and the start of the call for prayers. This tradition has its roots in Cairo, then spread throughout the cities of Egypt and several Islamic countries. The main Ramadan cannon is on the top of the Cairo Citadel.
Historians do not agree how this tradition came about, but there are three popular accounts. The first is that it started during the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Khushkadam (who ruled between 1461 – 1467 AD). As the story goes, the Sultan was testing his new canon, and the firing of it coincided with the exact time of breaking the fast on the first day of Ramadan. People thought that the Sultan had deliberately fired the cannon to alert people that the time for breaking the fast had come. They appreciated the idea and thanked the Sultan for his creativity. So, the Sultan decided to proceed with firing the cannon twice every day at the start and end of fasting. A second popular story is that the tradition started when some soldiers of Khedive Ismail (who ruled between 1867-1879 AD) accidentally fired a canon while they were cleaning it. As with the previous version, the fasting population thought their ruler was announcing the time of breaking the fast , and so the Khedive decided to continue the tradition. The third account is the same as the second, but that the accidental incident dates back to the reign of Sultan Mohamed Ali (who ruled between 1805-1848 AD).
Whichever version is correct, each one starts with an unintentional incident that was turned into a tradition and has survived hundreds of years. Following the introduction of television, the firing of the canon was broadcast to the nation. The soldier who is in charge shouts, “Breaking the fast Cannon … Strike!”, and then the sound of firing comes up. Every Egyptian waits to see Ramadan cannon video every day on TV before breaking the fast as this daily event is now a part of our religious heritage.
Firing a historical canon each day is not very practical. Besides the chances of the canon not working being relatively high, there is the risk of damage to the Citadel, and the frustration it may cause the inhabitants of that neighbourhood. Since the introduction of television, the authorities now prefer to use a recorded video of the canon being fired rather than broadcasting the live event.
Ramadan Media Production
Maybe you don’t already know this, but Egypt is considered the Hollywood of the Middle East. There is a great tradition of Egyptian movies and television dramas; they are the most watched in the Middle East. Actors, actresses, and producers from all over the Arab world participate in Egyptian production for its international reputation and success.
The entire industry prepares for Ramadan by producing new TV shows and films, and the viewing public are eager to see these new productions. Not surprisingly then, everyone in this industry wants to be featured during the Ramadan season. And this includes TV advertisements; every business vies to make the most watched ad of the season. During Ramadan then, expect to encounter Egyptians and Arabs talking about the latest TV shows and advertisements. With the growth of the online media platforms offering entertainment services via subscription, you will have the chance to watch some productions with English subtitles and see for yourself what all the hype is about.
Ramadan Songs & Music
Ramadan is also a time when new music and songs are produced. While many new songs are produced each year, most Egyptians prefer the traditional songs, as over the years these have become an important part of Ramadan. These songs only come to life during Ramadan and we start to celebrate when they hear them again for the first time in the season, few days before the beginning of Ramadan. If you’re visiting Egypt at this time, expect to hear these songs everywhere.
To give you an idea of this rich tradition, these are five of the most popular songs associated with Ramadan; you can hear them sung and see some typical Ramadan scenes on youtube:
- Ramadan Gana (translation: Ramadan came), Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb (1910 – 1980)
- Wahawi ya Wahawi, Aiaha, Ahmed Abdel-Qader (1916-1984), which people relate to the ancient Egyptian Queen Aiah-hotep
- Tam Al-Badr Badry (translation: The full moon came early), Sharifa Fadel (1938-2023). This song is played after the 15th day of Ramadan and it tells us that time is going fast and Ramadan will end soon, as it’s a full moon already. This is one of those songs Muslims have a love-hate relationships with.
- By the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Om Kolthom’s (1898-
1975) song Ya Lailet Al-Eid (translation: oh, it’s Eid night) becomes the most widely played song. While it is a happy song, sung to celebrate the feast, it is greeted with a touch of sadness as Ramadan has ended - This fifth song is a modern one, released in 2021 to describe how different and joyful Ramadan in Egypt is, by the Emeriti singer Hussein Al-Jasmi. It is called Ramadan in Egypt is something special.
Ramadan Outfit
Although Muslims in general are conservative, they become even more conservative during Ramadan. The image of this month as a time of the year devoted to prayers and rituals makes everyone avoid showing off – including not wearing revealing and inappropriate clothing. The idea of a Ramadan outfit was developed through the last two decades by women who want to look beautiful. As a result a new fashion for women spread across Egypt and the Arab World by introducing elegant garments with traditional decorations and embroidery. This trend is now shaping the appearance of Egyptian women like during Ramadan.
Shopping for these items starts before Ramadan. If you are a woman, of course you’re not obliged to do this – no one is – but I am sure you may like to buy one of those for yourself as they are beautiful. In general, men and women need to dress appropriately during Ramadan so as not to offend local customs and to show respect to the holy month.
Fireworks During Ramadan
Children in Egypt like to set off fireworks during Ramadan and Eid, as they are associated with enjoyment and celebration. You are sure to see many during this period. Usually, however, they are simple, small fireworks, which don’t produce excessively loud noise.
Food & Drink During Ramadan
Ramadan & Fasting
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam (which are: (1) testifying that there is no God but one God and that Muhammad is his prophet (2) prayers (3) zakat “alms” (4) Ramadan fasting (5) Hajj). Therefore, it’s an obligation for every Muslim to fast during Ramadan. However, some people are exempted from fasting in special cases (1) people with sickness (2) children (3) if someone is travelling (4) women during menstruation (5) pregnant women (6) women until six weeks after childbirth (puerperal) (8) women who breastfeed babies (9) old people who can get sick if they fast (10) anyone who felt extremely hungry or thirsty or tired and couldn’t complete fasting.
Fasting for Muslims starts before dawn and continues until before sunset every day for the entire month. The fasting person abstains from all food and drinks from Fajr prayers before dawn until Maghreb prayers before sunset. The call for prayers is the sign for all Muslims to start fasting and to break the fasting. This means that there are some time differences between cities and countries. For example, someone who lives in Norway would fast more hours than someone who lives in Egypt because the day is longer in Norway. This year, people in Egypt are fasting for about 14 hours every day.
Fasting in Islam is a means of purifying the soul in addition to promoting noble morals such as patience and generosity. It makes oneself realises his weakness and also reminds us of the needs of the poor. Muslims learn patience to obey from fasting, as well as patience to abstain from disobedience. This is not only about food and drinks but it’s about everything which is immoral. A fasting person should be peaceful and kind to everyone; he/she can’t be rude and shouldn’t fight or be mean to anyone. Fasting introduces equality for all people in the Islamic world. It is also a charge of faith and a way to feel the poor and the needy and take actions to
feed them and to help them enhancing their lives by making donations.
Today, intermittent fasting is becoming trendy among non-Muslims as doctors have found the benefits of fasting in maintaining physical health heals the body from many diseases by refraining from food and drinks for specific hours every day. It’s also believed that fasting affects the level of fats and decreases blood cholesterol which reduces the chances of developing heart diseases.
Iftar Time
We’re now coming close to sunset. Maghreb prayers comes minutes before sunset which means that everyone is preparing for Iftar which is the meal for breaking the fast. Probably you won’t see many people around if you walk the streets during Iftar time. Only those who are on duty or people who were somewhere late and hurrying to their homes or restaurants.
People usually make sure to have this meal with family and friends. It’s the main event during the day for gathering and to be thankful for all the good things one has in his life. The meal normally consists of meat/poultry, vegetables or rice, side dishes, salads, and something to drink – of course non-alcoholic. Normally, families eat their Iftar meal in front of the TV to watch Ramadan shows and drama. But also, this is a time to remember those who don’t have food for their Iftar. For this, many families prepare extra meals to give to the needy or people who are on duty during Iftar; like security staff for example.
Since gathering for Iftar is very important, sometimes entire neighbourhoods organize Iftar together and they even invite people from other neighbourhoods. In 2023, Matariya in northeast Cairo celebrated the longest Iftar table in Egypt stretching throughout three streets and hosted over 3000 persons, surrounded by Ramadan decorations and songs. It’s fine if you can attend events like this if you can handle the crowds. Some other examples try to raise awareness about social or political issues. For example, in 2023 the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alexandria arranged their tables in the shape of the Dome of the Rock in Palestine to show their support for the plight of Palestinians.
Suhur Time
Suhur is the meal that Muslims eat each day before fasting starts. The meal usually includes traditional Egyptian dishes, such as aubergine appetisers, fava beans, falafel (falafel in Egypt is made of fava beans not chickpeas – falafel made with chickpeas is generally found in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine). Yogurt is very important after Suhur to keep the body hydrated, along with drinking enough water before fasting.
Suhur is a very early meal (usually around 02h00). Conseuqently, most of us prefer to have Suhur at home with our family. But it is not unusual to go out at least once during holy month and have Suhur at a restaurant or a heritage venue in Old Cairo where Ramadan atmosphere is highly observed. It’s totally ok if you want to try this experience or if you want to join a friend for Suhur. You won’t feel that it’s already after midnight as you’ll see many people everywhere.
Food & Beverage
For people in the Middle East, the Egyptian cuisine is considered very special. What is more, every restaurant in Egypt tries to make the best food during Ramadan. They start to prepare for Ramadan very early by creating special menus and new dishes, desserts and drinks. Many traditional Egyptian dishes are served that are favoured by visitors in addition to new dishes to impress the customers and for good marketing. Special Iftar menus and open buffets are also served at hotels and it is encouraged to try some of these dishes, especially desserts.
If you decide to try a restaurant during Iftar or Suhur, then you need to make sure to have a prior reservation, or if you want to order some food around both times, then you need to place your order early enough. This is a high season and restaurants usually receive hundreds of customers every day. The first day of Ramadan is usually reserved for families as most of the people like to have their first Iftar at home with their families. This special day is well served with a variety of food recipes. By and large, families in the north prefer to cook different types of Mahshi in the first day which is vegetables stuffed with rice seasoned with spices and tomato paste, while people in the south prefer vegetables soaked directly in tomato soup. So, maybe this is what you should
expect to eat if you’re invited to Iftar on the first day of Ramadan.
Ramadan is famous for the countless types of desserts. One of the most popular Ramadan desserts is Kunafa: a sugar-soaked pastry made by thin strands of dough. The taste is different depending on the type of cooking, but normally it is served as layers of Kunafa with cream and other fillings and then topped with nuts. Recently, it became a tradition to introduce new Kunafa recipes every year; for example, Kunafa with mango which I like very much! Another Ramadan desserts is called Qatayef which is made of thick phyllo dough folded in a shape of half circle and filled with nuts, and finally it is soaked with sugar and rose water. Those two types of
desserts are a must during Ramadan
In addition, dried dates have special place for Muslims in Ramadan. That’s because during the early days of Islam, Muslims used to eat few dates to break their fast as they have to pray Maghreb (sunset prayers) first and when they finish the prayers they start to eat properly. This is to give their bodies some energy and to prepare their bodies to receive food and drinks again after many hours of complete fasting. It’s normal to see people distributing dates in the streets around Iftar time as a kind manner to help people eat some dates until they arrive at their Iftar place; i.e., homes or restaurants. I recommend if someone offers you dates, accept it with a smile.
Also, you can show generosity if you can do the same by distributing some dates or water to the people around you. Dates are also used in a special Ramadan recipe which is called “Khoshaf”, and also you can put some pieces in a cup of milk and it will be very yummy. There is one Ramadan drink that you can find everywhere: Tamr Hindi (Tamarind). We don’t plant tamarind here but we buy dried tamarind paste and soak it with water and ice to make tasty tamarind juice. You can find tamarind juice bottles at supermarkets and fresh juice shops. Again, this is a business that flourish during Ramadan only. Qamar Al-Din comes in the second place which is apricot fruit layers used to make apricot nectar. Juice is a must after eating Iftar.
On top of all of this, Egyptians buy Yameesh by the beginning of Ramadan which is bags full of walnuts, almonds, hazelnut, prunes and several kinds of nuts to use in a variety of recipes. This became a tradition and every home should buy Yameesh Ramadan as part of our heritage.
Should I expect to receive invitations?
Maedat Al-Rahman
Maedat Al-Rahman is the name for a free Iftar tables which are installed in the streets offering free meals for anyone who needs to eat. They are not only open for the needy but also for everyone, such as people who were late and couldn’t reach their homes on time or if they can’t find a nearby restaurant. The money for these large tables comes from rich people, companies, and other institutions in addition to individuals who want to help.
Don’t feel shy to join Maedat Al-Rahman if you ever find yourself in a situation that you need food. It is also acceptable if you want to donate or if you want to help them cooking.
Khiemet Ramadan (Ramadan tents)
Ramadan tents or Khiemet Ramadan is another tradition which is believed to be Fatimid heritage. It’s known that when the Fatimid came to Egypt from North-West Africa, they were keen to attract and satisfy the Egyptian communities so they can build their new neighborhood Al-Fustat and make it the capital city of their dynasty. Therefore, they were keen to organize many events and to entertain the locals to guarantee they will be loyal to them and to integrate well within the Egyptian society.
Ramadan tent is a space which is decorated with Ramadan patterns and hosts people to spend good times during the evening and until the dawn of the next day. In the old times, it used to host religious chants and Quran reading but today it’s more for food and entertainment. There are many restaurants, hotels and even museums which host Ramadan tents and offers a wonderful variety of delicious food and desserts and drinks, in addition to traditional music and singing and traditional performing arts. All amongst beautiful settings of Ramadan decorations and lanterns.
Both the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization NMEC and the Grand Egyptian Museum GEM used to host Ramadan tents. You need to check their online channels for reservation and more details.
Rituals and Social Commitments
Donations and other Contributions
The month of Ramadan coincides with an appropriate period for doing good and benevolent deeds, as Muslims are urged to distribute food and to donate money to the needy. It’s a month of alms and charity. Campaigns for donations start days before Ramadan to distribute Ramadan boxes which include groceries and during Ramadan to distribute Iftar meals to people who are fasting but may have no food. In addition, people donate money to hospitals and charity institutions so they can help other people, especially those who are sick, and in particular sick children.
You are most welcome to participate and encouraged to network and to meet new friends and get involved in some community activities and charity events. You’ll find lots of options for donating throughout this article.
Ramadan prayers: Tarawih and Tahagod
As I mentioned before, prayers are very important during this month. Two main prayers are added to Muslims’ prayers exclusively during Ramadan: Tarawih and Tahagod. Tarawih starts around two hours after Iftar and continues for around two hours. Tahagod starts late at night and continues until the early morning of the next day. Both of them take place only at mosques.
If you’re meeting someone, then it may better to ask if he/she are busy doing the prayers and if you can set a time for your meeting before/after the prayers. People really wait for those prayers every year and many of them don’t like to miss them for a single day.
You will also be able to hear the voice of Imam (the person who is in charge of the prayers.) during the prayers out of the microphones of mosques in every neighbourhood. Those people are chosen carefully for their good voices. So, imagine that it’s like singing without music when you hear them, but this will be actually parts of the holy Quran.
Lilat Al-Qadr
As the Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan, Muslims are keen to read the whole book during Ramadan, 30 chapters, one chapter every day for the entire month.
The night when the Holy Quran was revealed is called Lailat Al-Qadr (English: Night of Power). Muslims believe that this is a night that is better than a thousand months. Therefore, whoever earned its goodness has been forgiven. In fact, no one knows which night is it but many people suggest that it might be the 27th night. Therefore, mosques tend to complete reading the 30 chapters of Quran on the 27th night.
Many people won’t be able to meet you during that evening/night of the 27th, as they will want to join the prayers. It would be better to set your evening meetings before or after that day.
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid - the feast
Eid Al-Fitr is the feast that marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of normal days with no fasting. Although the feast continues for three days, the most important feature of this feast is the prayers which take place early in the morning of the first day. You’ll see huge open-roof marquees at squares everywhere because mosques cannot contain all those numbers of men, women, and children at the same time. This is also a time for connecting and celebrating all the good deeds during Ramadan. The key message is: mission completed.
Children wear their new clothes (Eid clothes) and join the prayers with their families. They are always gifted toys or a sum of money to buy toys which is called “Eidyia”. If you want, you can also give small amounts of money to children and they can buy whatever they want to buy as a gift for themselves (usually candies and toys). Also, some families give presents to the women of the family as a thank you gift for all their efforts during Ramadan preparing the meals and taking good care of all the details. You can also go to see the prayers to enjoy the atmosphere and the cultural experience.
After the prayers, people gather to greet their families and friends and to eat their first breakfast together after a full month of fasting: Eid Kahk. For lunch, many people in Egypt eat a special Egyptian tradition meal: Feseikh. This meal which consists of salted fish is believed to have ancient Egyptian origins although there is no archaeological evidence for this belief. We have scenes of drying fish but no evidence for the next steps which include adding the salt and related spices. Currently, doctors usually ask people not to eat Feseikh because it contains bacteria and can cause harm but people still eat it until today. Smoked herring fish also is very popular food during Eid.
Over the three days, people go out with their families to spend time together and to celebrate Eid with their children. There are many events set for Eid including musical concerts, theatre shows, and cinema releases. However, most people prefer spending some time at gardens. Internal tourism also flourish during Eid as many people like to travel to cities by the sea; such as Hurgada, Matrouh and Dahab.
Eid Clothing
Eid Kahk
Kahk or Eid Kahk is a small cake the Egyptians make for celebrating Eid. They are eaten for breakfast during Eid, with a milky tea. Theyse cakes are mainly made of flour, ghee, and sugar, decorated on the top, and sometimes stuffed with dates. Ancient Egyptians had several types of cakes. Many of them were cooked to celebrate feasts. Eid Kahk can take several shapes but still the most traditional shape is the one in the shape of a wheel.
Usually, women prepare Eid Kahk at homes and take it to bakeries to be cooked, as this is mainly a recipe to be made at home. This process starts at the last week of Ramadan. So, you may notice that a lot of people are walking the streets holding trays full of cakes and taking them to bakeries.
Don’t feel shy to ask your Egyptian friends to bring you some cakes from home. But also, you can buy some cakes at patisseries.
Shopping Crowds
From the above-mentioned details, you must be already informed that Ramadan needs are several. For this reason, markets and stores usually receives crowds of people who want to buy their needs for Ramadan and Eid; for example, Yameesh, lanterns, decorations, food for Iftar and Suhur, clothes, etc. Therefore, you should expect to find a lot of crowds everywhere, especially if you are in Cairo.
According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, Cairo population today is more than 10 million individuals. In addition, Cairo and Giza are considered one huge city as they are adjacent to each other, which makes the number of populations of the two cities exceeds 20 million individuals. Can you imagine the crowds now? But the good thing is that we don’t experience crowd crush. It’s just about the noise and the difficulty to move freely in a wide space.
During Ramadan, markets and stores in Egypt sell products related to Ramadan such as special decorations and clothes. The shopping focus depends on the timing (1) before Ramadan people buy decorations, lanterns, Ramadan outfits, and Yameesh (2) during Ramadan people buy food for Iftar and Suhur in addition to desserts and drinks (3) shopping for Eid clothes starts from the first week of Ramadan and increases towards the end of the month (4) Eid cakes during the last week of Ramadan (5) boxes of grocery for donations before and during the entire month.
What Can Tourists expect during Ramadan days?
A normal day in Ramadan means that people go to work, pray and read Quran, complete donations and alms, and prepare meals for Iftar. As well as shopping for several occasions as mentioned above.
As a tourist, you can visit all sites and museums as usual, but be aware that there are reduced working hours during Ramadan. This is so people who are fasting can go home early without feeling extra tired. For example, if normal working hours are from 09h00 – 17h00, during Ramadan this could change to 10h00 -16h00.
Where to go during Ramadan?
Egypt is home to some of the most amazing mosques in the world. During Ramadan, these mosques are usually full as each mosque is especially visited by hundreds of people who come for the prayers. Mosques you can visit include Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo which is one of the most important mosques in Egypt and was built in 970 AD, Al-Hakem Mosque at Al-Moez street in old Cairo which was built in 989 AD, and Mohamed Ali Mosque at Cairo Citadel which is one of the most famous mosques in Egypt and was built in 1830 AD.
Also, museums sometimes open special exhibitions during Ramadan but you have to check first before you go. In addition, you can visit one of Ramadan tents at the evening or even at night to enjoy the traditional atmosphere, the delicious food and oriental music. Walking around the streets can also be fun as you can enjoy the decorations and lights and to notice the people’s traditions and to get engaged with what they do during Ramadan.
Old Cairo is a very special place to visit during Ramadan as it’s very rich with Islamic heritage. Many places offer Suhur menus and organize traditional musical events. Also, this place doesn’t sleep. You can stay around until the morning of the next day if you wish.
It’s very nice to have Iftar or Suhur with Egyptian friends and/or families. Don’t be shy to ask people to join them. They will be very happy to invite you.
Of course, Ramadan vibes can be seen everywhere, but in my opinion, Cairo is the best city to feel it because it’s a big city with a lot of varieties.
Christians & Ramadan?
Egypt Travel Guide
Archaeology Travel Writer
