Ramadan is without a doubt the most significant festival in Egypt, and it will also likely have the biggest impact on your stay. The feast, which honours the Prophet Mohammed’s first part of the Qur’anic revelation, is called after the Islamic calendar month in which it falls. Most Muslims fast (avoid eating, drinking, and smoking) from dawn until dusk every day of the month. Generally speaking, Ramadan is a season of increased devotion. Muslims who would typically drink abstain from doing so, and there is a stronger effort to uphold traditional values.

With its extended days of fasting, decorations, and early-morning drumming, Ramadan in Egypt is a sight to behold. This month is significant because it was during this time that Jibril, an angel, revealed the holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). People take part in completing good deeds like reciting the Holy Quran, making prayers, fasting during the day, and giving to charity throughout the month.

Here are the dates, a calendar, and instructions for Ramadan in Egypt in 2023 because it has already begun this year.

What is the Egyptian way of celebrating Ramadan?

Want to know a good reason to travel to Egypt during Ramadan? Of all the nations, Ramadan in Egypt has a unique flavour. Ramadan is a season of giving, love, and compassion, while it is also a religious and spiritual holiday. The atmosphere of Ramadan is very different in Egypt, which makes the celebrations here stand out. Here are some Ramadan traditions to be aware of:

The eye-catching decorations

The primary emblem of the holy month of Ramadan is the lamp. Egyptian families keep on practising this custom and have passed it down from one generation to the next over the years.
Copper, painted with bright images, and candle-lit lanterns are standard.

The streets during Ramadan are typically decked out in festive lights and decorations, much like the lanterns. The “khayamiya” pattern, which is printed on fabric and used to make other Ramadan decorations like pillows and tablecloths, is also quite popular.

The Iftar cannon

To inform people they could break their fast, Egyptians would fire a cannon right before the call for Maghrib prayers. Several stories exist about how it started in Cairo and spread to other Muslim countries.

Gatherings

Ramadan is a time that emphasises family and encourages coming together. Because of this, meetings among friends and relatives are fairly common. Egyptians would host a party or attend someone else’s almost every day, whether it was a member of their immediate family, their extended family, a friend, or a neighbour.

To help those in need, many people organize to provide them with free iftar food. No one is reportedly left without iftar food in Egypt after the fast is broken. Muslims do not simply eat iftar to break their fast. Suhoor is the final meal before beginning to fast once more. It is often held before dawn, and people often gather for suhoor.

Ramadan Delicacies

Ramadan has its own delicacies of course, as food is an important aspect of both Egyptian culture and the holiday. So you may be sure to find the following dishes and beverages at every iftar table or feast throughout Ramadan.

Atayef – This Middle Eastern dessert, also called Qatayef, is a Ramadan speciality. Atayef resemble miniature pancakes or spherical dumplings, and they can be filled with a variety of ingredients including almonds, cheese, or cream.

Kunafa – Kunafa is yet another typical Middle Eastern dessert that is highly well-liked throughout Ramadan. Between the layers of crumbled pastry dough, a sugary syrup is soaked to soak up the various fillings.

Khoshaf – Turkish cuisine has also inspired the creation of a nutritious snack known as Khoshaf. One of the simplest Ramadan recipes, it consists of a blend of dried fruits steeped in warm water for several hours. It is then topped with your preferred nuts.

Oriental Juices – Power-boosting, revitalizing drinks are a standout item on the Ramadan menu for keeping hydrated.

Points to remember in Egypt during Ramadan

• During Ramadan, it is strictly prohibited to serve alcohol, and even liquor stores are not permitted to be open.
• The working hours vary. During Ramadan, work shifts are typically shorter to allow employees enough time to return home before iftar 2023. Additionally, everything is typically closed at iftar time, aside from restaurants; however, shops, supermarkets, etc. may reopen an hour or two later.
• Ramadan is the ideal time to travel to coastal towns in Egypt. In addition to the fact that you’ll avoid crowds, the pricing would be exceptionally inexpensive. But be sure to visit Cairo during Ramadan!

Wrapping Up

A prominent Islamic country, Egypt, celebrates Ramadan with vigour. Locals are fasting but are friendly in the famous-decorated restaurants and streets. Thus, one of the ideal times to book an Egypt tour from Dubai is during Ramadan.