Egyptian New Year and calendar are based on the solar cycle and form the basis for the modern Western calendar. Like any other country, Egypt prepares for various celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Egypt is a splendid and beautiful country with lively individuals and an upbeat soul. All throughout Egypt, almost in every region, you’ll get the vibe of the New Year season.The merry season is not far, and celebrating the New Year in a new way is truly a great idea. Out of many destinations in mind, one can even plan a New Year in Egypt.And now you must be wondering how to celebrate the New Year in Egypt 2024?
How To Celebrate New Year In Egypt?
Witness the entrancing desert campfire, cruise along the Nile on a conventional felucca, learn Egyptian New Year traditions, relish cuisines, and wander around historical locations. There are plenty of options to enjoy New Year’s Eve in Egypt, and that too in a unique way.
1. The Sphinx – Click A Kissing Photo
You may have seen numerous Instagram pictures of voyagers kissing this legendary pouting creature! The enormous limestone figure represents a Sphinx, a mythical creature that is part lion and part human. Despite millennia of erosion from sand and wind, distinct features can still be seen. It is the oldest known fantastic sculpture in Egypt, and you must definitely see it on your visit to Egypt. It can be quite crowded, with everybody trying to perfect their kissing shot, but it’s worth viewing. You can get a decent photograph of the Great Sphinx with the Pyramids as a backdrop.
Also Read: Egyptian Monuments
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2. Bonfire – Dance Around
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Let us tell you a secret! Egyptians know how to dance, and they do it well! You can appreciate a touch of Egyptian culture by shaking your leg around the bonfire and tuning in to drums and adoring those talented dancers. They are perfect in showing their skills through the exotic belly dance. And this experience can be lived best with friends! Imagine doing belly dancing with your buddies and spending the night with the ultimate fun. What could be better on a vacation? So, set yourself to enjoy some great dance affairs and say Happy New Year in Egypt out loud!
3. Dahab – Take A Dive
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The Sinai Peninsula is a distinct region apart from mainland Egypt and famous for its fabulous diving events. There is no doubt that enjoying the Red Sea underwater is one of the amazing activities to try during the New Year holidays in Egypt. The resort of Sharm-El-Sheikh is apparently the most popular spot, but the small town of Dahab, which is up the road, is unbelievably superior!
It is an ideal destination for solo voyagers to spend a New Year’s Eve around the Red Sea. This little town is filled with cafes, dive shops, and hostels which are available at some astonishing prices. You can certainly spend long holidays at just this particular place, which is packed finely with endless delicious hummus, eating, enjoying diving, and swimming along with relaxing with yoga and sunbathing on a few of the best rooftops you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Egypt!
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4. White Desert – Explore
Only a few hours away from Cairo lies a desert which will initially give you a feeling as if you’ve arrived on the moon’s surface. Composed by centuries of sandstorms and corrosion, these bizarre calcium rock formations are spread throughout the panorama like fabulous abstract sculptures. A few of them look like food and thus, have been given titles like “ice-cream cone,” and “mushroom” while others have animated more flamboyant names, like the “Inselberg” and “Monolith”.
In this White Desert is an unusual and awe-inspiring natural chalk-rock museum, seen nowhere else in the world! Also, several people choose to do a night camping at the White Desert with Bedouin guides. You’ll get to enjoy the sunset in this desert. As the sun sets, the calcium sea reveals all the oranges and fuchsias in the sky. What a glowy night indeed!
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5. Nile – Tour The Famous River
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Heading to celebrate the New Year party in Egypt and not going for a Nile tour is seriously foolishness. Take a cruise up the Nile, one of Egypt’s quintessential adventures. And if you’re thinking about how expensive this famous tourist experience might be, then do not worry, folks! This spectacular event is completely convenient even for those on a budget. There are a lot of tours providing this marvellous adventure to tourists in every budget range.
During the luxury cruising, you can take full advantage of boat facilities, including restaurants, relax by the swimming pool, or be on the top deck of the ship, floating on the world’s most famous river and appreciating the views. You can also opt for the traditional Egyptian felucca which every tourist in Egypt equally enjoys as they are flawless. Appreciate the breeze while sailing along the river and view the breathtaking sunset. You can rent a felucca for some hours to have a party moment with your family and friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve. While cruising, you’ll be passing by the city of Kumambo and Edfu. It would be an absolutely tranquil journey!
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6. Pyramids of Giza – Check Out
How can’t we not talk about one of the world’s seven wonders, when in Egypt? The Pyramids of Egypt or Giza are Cairo’s most beloved tourist attractions. Undoubtedly, this place attracts thousands of visitors year-round. These pyramids have survived the test of time, outlasting for roughly 4,500 years. You’ll be delighted to explore the pyramids adjacent to the Great Sphinx. You can also enter the pyramids by paying additional fees. On-site restrooms and a gift shop are also available here. Planning to visit this fabulous place during the New Year is really worthwhile to avoid the scorching heat of Egypt.
So, what’s special that you get to enjoy here during New Year’s Eve? Egypt welcomes the New Year with festivities in front of these iconic pyramids, with policemen guarding on camels. Fireworks explode and lights shine above the pyramids during the festivity time.
7. Islamic Cairo – Have A Good Time
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It’s a twisted complex mile between Bab Zuweila and the exit from Cairo’s protected centre, known as Islamic or medieval Cairo, through the Bab al-Futuh entryway. From this spot, you’ll discover the authentic charm of medieval Cairo. Numerous residents occupy premises beside some of the world’s most historically significant mosques and monuments. In the middle of it is a universe of compressed trade and sharp corners, where at night, one can see the sparkle of amazing minarets and terraces of shaded glass. Have a great time there on New Year’s Eve in Egypt.
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8. Khan el-Khalili – Shopping
What better way to conclude your holidays than with shopping? A souq(bazaar or market) in Egypt, Khan el-Khalili is one of the largest in Cairo. Settled at the site of a 10th-century tomb, Khan el-Khalili was an owner of a vigorous history, and in the 16th century, for the first time, became a point for Turkish traders. Today, it is a vibrant marketplace which will take any visitor back in time to the ancient Arabic bazaars, organized chiefly for travelers with stalls selling various keepsakes and souvenirs. Additionally, Khan el-Khalili is still home to several legendary artisans who design and trade their wares in the market. Visitors here along with shopping from merchants, can also take a bite from one of the street food stalls, or simply relax at any of the beautiful traditionally styled bistro within the souq.
9. Egyptian Cuisine – Savour
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No doubt about festivity being just about merry dancing but is also meant for good food. While visiting Egypt, you’ve to soothe your appetite with Egyptian cuisine to make the most of your mood. Like Middle Eastern meals, the Egyptian meal typically comprises bread, rice, and vegetables. One must taste local dishes like Aish Baladi(Egyptian-style pita bread), Molokhia(chicken stew with garlic and a leafy green vegetable), and Hamam Mahshi(wheat or rice-stuffed pigeon).
You can dine at restaurants such as Felfela and Abou El Sid. Additionally, for fine dining and a more upscale ambiance at Egyptian restaurants, go to Sequoia and Sabaya. You can also relish fish from the Nile River, which is served in several restaurants. In case your stomach starts fussing in between meals, eat street food favorites like Ful Medames(mashed fava beans along with seasonings) or Koshari(a meal with rice, lentils, and pasta cooked in a thick tomato sauce).
You May Also Like To Read: Best Honeymoon Places In Egypt
So, make your New Year different this time by booking your trip to Egypt, packing your bags and getting ready for New Year in Egypt. Firecrackers, special events, and beautiful spots are all set on for the visitors reaching here to guarantee an unusual, and enjoyable time in Egypt during the New Year. All these activities here will give you a lot to preserve in your travel diary.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In Egypt
How does Egypt celebrate New Years?
There is no one way in which Egyptians celebrate New Years. However, the one thing that Egypt definitely does on New Years is party. The Egyptian New Year is based on the solar cycle and is something that frames the basis of the largely followed Western calendar. From dancing around the bonfire to savoring some scrumptious delicacies there are many different ways in which Egyptians celebrate New Years.
What do they eat in Egypt for Christmas?
People have a big and hearty Christmas meal in Europe which comprises of ‘Fata’ which is nothing but Lamb soup with rice, bread and boiled lamb meat, ‘Zalabya’ which are donuts, and ‘Bouri’ which is Mullet Fish. There are many other dishes and most of them contain eggs, meat, and butter.
What are Christmas traditions in Egypt?
Christmas in Egypt is celebrated with great pomp and show and is a magical time in Egypt. You will find every nook and corner decorated and you will find a Christmas tree in almost every house. If asked about traditions, then Egyptians fast for a period of 43 days, from November 25 to January 6, and Christmas is celebrated on January 7 annually. Also, during this period all they eat are vegan items and no dairy too. On Christmas, they have a hearty meal and eat to their heart’s content. Also, in Egypt, Santa Claus is referred to by the name ‘Baba Noel’ which means Father Christmas.
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
