Best Things to Do in Egypt at Christmas

December is a month that we all look forward to and eagerly, many of us have said that during this month the Christmas spirit is felt. Although scientifically it has not been possible to discover exactly what it is that we are referring to ... but I am sure that we have ever felt it. During this same period, we feel the desire to travel and know different places with many Egypt Travel Packages. Have you thought about traveling to Egypt during Christmas and spending a new year in a country with such a different culture? Surely you will have many doubts about what a country like Egypt is like during Christmas; we give you some information about these dates.

Christmas celebration

Food, decorations, traditions and festivities, as in the rest of the world are characteristic of Christmas and in Egypt, it is no exception!

In Egypt about 15% of the population is Christian. They are the only part of society that really celebrates Christmas. However, although the country is mostly Muslim, there is a fellowship and mutual respect and Muslims enjoy this party in the company. Most Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church and have some very particular traditions for Christmas.

Like most Christians in Egypt, they belong to the Orthodox church that celebrates Christmas on January 7 where the fast is observed for 45 days from November 25 to the night of January 6 and during these days people do not consume products of meat, poultry or dairy products.

Before Christmas, all churches and Christian houses are decorated with trees, lights and small cribs. And on Christmas Eve each person goes to the churches with new clothes as if they were going to enjoy the joy of a party. In the majestic St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, the Pope of the Orthodox Church begins the ceremony at 11 pm. When the Christmas service ends, people go home to eat a special meal known as fata, which consists of bread, rice, garlic and boiled meat.

Is it advisable to travel to Egypt at Christmas?

DEFINITELY Yes! And you will find many options for Christmas tours to Egypt. Egypt combines fun and adventure for your vacation along with the opportunity to visit certain places that are very important for Christmas.

Christmas is a particularly dear moment in Egypt because of its associations with the Holy Family's trip there shortly after the birth of Jesus. When King Herod decided to slaughter the newborn babies, Joseph, Mary and Jesus took refuge in Egypt. Many Egyptians remember this story with love, and it certainly reflects the warm hospitality of Egyptian culture.

If you want to know better the historical Christian traditions, there is no better place than the Monastery of Santa Catalina, officially known as the Sacred Monastery of the Sporado God. It was built in the 6th century under the orders of the Byzantine emperor Justinian and is still in operation today.

Another highlight of this area is the walk on Mount Sinai, which is considered the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. There are two basic routes for this hike: the so-called "Steps of Penance", which is a suitable path for the Advent season, and a wider and leisurely path that can be climbed on foot or by camel. At the top of the mountain there is a small chapel.

Egypt is home to one of the richest and most varied stories in the world. When visiting this amazing country, you will experience the wonderful cultures and traditions that make it unique. The Christmas and New Year season is an excellent time to visit, whether you are deeply interested in the Coptic culture or just love Christmas.