Good to know
Good to Know
- Ramadan and Eid dates shift annually following the lunar calendar—check current year dates before planning visits around these major religious celebrations.
- Many local restaurants close or adjust hours during Ramadan daylight hours; evening dining and Iftar feasts are highlighted cultural experiences.
- The Hurghada International Festival in October coincides with pleasant fall weather and should be booked well in advance as hotels fill quickly.
- Most religious and cultural events are free or have minimal costs, though some festival performances and exhibitions may require advance tickets.
- Religious events provide genuine insight into local customs; respectful participation in community meals and observances is welcomed by locals.
Events
Ramadan
- Type
- Religious celebration
- Timing
- Lunar calendar (dates vary annually)
- Description
- Communal feasts celebrating Ramadan with Iftar meals that bring families and friends together. Many local restaurants and cafes prepare elaborate feasts tailored for Ramadan with traditional dishes and sweets. Mosques throughout the city host events blending community spirit with religious observance.
Eid al-Fitr
- Type
- Religious celebration
- Timing
- Lunar calendar (dates vary annually)
- Description
- Joyful end of Ramadan celebration with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings highlighting Egypt's rich culinary heritage.
Mawlid al-Nabi
- Type
- Religious celebration
- Timing
- Lunar calendar (dates vary annually)
- Description
- Festival honoring the Prophet Muhammad, offering insight into authentic Egyptian life.
Coptic Christmas
- Type
- Religious celebration
- Timing
- Early January
- Description
- Egyptian Christmas celebration where Christians attend Mass. Traditionally preceded by a 43-day fast.
Islamic New Year (Al Hijra)
- Type
- Religious observance
- Timing
- Lunar calendar (dates vary annually)
- Description
- Marks the day when Prophet Muhammad travelled from Mecca to Medina. Muslims reflect on their lives and contemplate positive changes for the forthcoming year.
Shem Al Nessim
- Type
- Cultural celebration
- Timing
- First Monday following Coptic Easter (spring season)
- Description
- Celebrates the first day of spring with 'sniffing the breeze.' Popular ways of spending this national holiday include picnics and outdoor activities.
Evacuation Day
- Type
- National public holiday
- Timing
- June 18
- Description
- National public holiday marking the evacuation of foreign troops in 1954.
Revolution Day
- Type
- National public holiday
- Timing
- July 23
- Description
- Public holiday marking the 1952 Revolution, when the Egyptian constitutional monarchy was overthrown.
Victory Day
- Type
- National commemorative day
- Timing
- December 23
- Description
- Marked in commemoration of the 1973 Yom Kippur War between Israel and a coalition of Arab nations which included Egypt.
Hurghada International Festival
- Type
- Cultural and arts festival
- Timing
- October
- Description
- Vibrant autumn festival featuring international and Egyptian music acts, traditional dance troupes, contemporary art installations, performances, exhibitions, and food markets. Spans multiple venues across Hurghada's central boulevard, beach promenades, and open squares.
Hurghada Carnival
- Type
- Cultural festival
- Timing
- Summer (July mentioned)
- Description
- Vibrant celebration featuring colorful parades, live music, family activities, creative performances, and light shows attracting both locals and tourists.
Egypt Yoga Festival
- Type
- Wellness event
- Timing
- First week of March
- Description
- Festival featuring yoga workshops and demonstrations led by internationally renowned yoga experts discussing the benefits of yoga.
Hurghada International Fishing Festival
- Type
- Sporting event
- Timing
- Dates vary (typically referenced in tourism calendars)
- Description
- Annual event attracting anglers from around the world to compete at this prime fishing destination.
Hurghada International Film Festival
- Type
- Film festival
- Timing
- Annual
- Description
- Festival attracting cinema enthusiasts globally, showcasing diverse film selections including local productions and international films across various genres.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Hurghada
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.