Ramadan Festival Egypt

The festive period of Ramadan in Egypt is an excellent period, which simply adds more color and fun to the country of monuments and ancient civilization. The festival of Ramadan in Egypt is different from elsewhere. Other than the rituals practiced during the month, there are other certain social habits of Egyptian Muslims that are much different than anywhere else.

The exact timing of this one-month long festival during the year is variable, sometimes falling in summer and sometimes in winter. However Ramadan is a month that follows the lunar calendar, the basis of the Islamic (or Hijri) calendar. Astronomical calculations are utilized to detect the birth of the new moon. Ramadan festival lasts for 29 or 30 days.

The principal ritual during Ramadan festival is fasting. This entails abandoning eating, drinking, smoking or sinning from dawn to sunset. The daily meals become limited to two. "Iftar" the first meal is just after sunset. While "sohour" the second meal is just before dawn. However the timing of the second meal is variable according to personal preference

Native of Egypt adopt certain social habits for Ramadan festival. These social habits are not directly related to religion. Officially, the working hours are diminished to allow more time for prayers. People usually sleep very late and spend substantial time in the mosques. Usually all the traditional practice starts immediately after sunset.

However, it should be noted that during Ramadan festival in Egypt, most of the monuments and other tourist sites are officially open until 3:00 PM. However some of the less frequented sites may close earlier (2:00 PM). Tourist attractions and facilities continue to operate, as there are great celebrations and a wonderful time for all.