Your 2024 Guide to Public Holidays in Egypt
The rest of this year’s public holidays add up to 16 total days off, celebrating 11 different occasions.
As we begin to emerge from this wintry season, and dreams of days spent doing anything other than working fill our minds, the promise of post-Ramadan public holidays looms large. We’ve put together a list of Egypt’s 11 confirmed public holidays, comprising 16 total decadent days off, so you can start planning those long weekends, and apply for tactical time off to make the most of your work leave.
Though some dates are yet to be confirmed until specific lunar sightings, your excitement need not wait. Have a flick through our list and revel in the prospect of over a fortnight worth of holiday…
Eid Al Fitr
Wednesday April 10th - Friday April 12th
Commemorating the end of Ramadan, you’ll have four whole days to decompress after a month of late nights and early mornings. Enjoy the festivities, the food, and your free time with family and friends.
Sinai Liberation Day
Thursday April 25th
This holiday marks the day in 1982 when the Sinai peninsula was returned to Egyptian sovereignty, following its occupation by Israeli forces. The liberation of Sinai was part of the 1979 peace treaty signed by Egypt and Israel following the Camp David accords of the previous year.
Labour Day
Wednesday May 1st
Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers across all sectors. The celebration has its origins in the labour union movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Sham El Nessim
Monday May 6th
Sham El Nessim is an Egyptian national festival marking the beginning of spring, harking back to the ancient Egyptian Shemu festival. As such, it is referred to by many as Egypt’s oldest celebration, ushering in the beginning of the traditional agricultural season.
Arafah Day
Sunday June 16th
Arafah Day is celebrated on the eve of Eid Al Adha, the second day of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafah, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave one of his last sermons.
Eid Al Adha
Monday June 17th - Thursday June 20th
Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is the second of the two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The three day celebration honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, as an act of obedience to God’s command.
June 30th Revolution Day
Sunday June 30th
This public holiday celebrates the June 30th revolution of 2013, when Mohamed Morsi was removed from office following popular protests across the country, centring around Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Following the protests, then-general Abdel Fattah Al Sisi removed Morsi from power, declaring Adly Mansour, Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court, as interim president.
Islamic New Year
Monday July 8th
This date marks the first day of the Islamic, or Hijri, Calendar, which is made up of 354 or 355 days depending on lunar sightings. For this reason, events in the Islamic calendar move backwards 10 days every year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.
July 23rd Revolution Day
Tuesday July 23rd
The July 23rd Revolution of 1952 saw the toppling of Egypt’s monarch King Farouk, following a coup d’etat by the Free Officers Movement, led by Mohamed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. This revolution was part of the broader decolonisation of Africa and the Middle East, and a wave of revolutionary politics across the Arab World.
The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Monday September 16th
This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 570 CE. Historical records suggest that the tradition of celebrating his birthday began in the 12th century.
Armed Forces Day
Sunday October 6th
Celebrated on the anniversary of the start of the 6th of October War of 1973, taking on additional meaning after Anwar Sadat’s assassination at an Armed Forces Day parade in 1981. The holiday is observed to honour the Egyptian military and its achievements.
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