If we take a look at the calendar of holidays in the country, it’s notable that two of them are directly related to Coptic Christianity: Coptic Christmas and Coptic Easter, also known as Sham el-Nessim. In this post, we explain how Holy Week in Egypt is celebrated, different but with commonalities to those in other Christian countries.
An Ancient Celebration
Holy Week in Egypt has a special character because, paradoxically, it has been celebrated long before the Passion of Christ. This is because in the times of Ancient Egypt, the arrival of spring and harvest was already celebrated, which was called shamo. Later, in the times of early Coptic Christianity, this celebration was adapted to Easter, that is, Resurrection Sunday, a key moment commemorated during Holy Week.
It was then given its current name, Sham el-Nessim, which literally means “smelling the breeze,” an expression that evokes agriculture and the fertility of the land, on a date that usually coincides roughly with the beginning of spring. And perhaps this is why it was maintained after the establishment of Islam, as the date was already deeply rooted in the daily life of ancient Egyptians.
Celebrations During Holy Week in Egypt
If you’re fortunate enough to spend Holy Week in Egypt, you’ll notice that some celebrations and traditions take place that don’t occur during the rest of the year. From the perspective of Christian liturgy, it’s a tradition among Coptic Christians to attend religious services in churches and cathedrals. Inside or in their vicinity, processions can take place, which usually occur on the night from Holy Saturday to Resurrection Sunday.
Perhaps the most famous is the procession that travels through some points of the Coptic quarter in Cairo, around the Hanging Church, during the early hours. Participants carry candles, symbolizing the idea of Jesus as light in the darkness. This idea is also expressed in other churches, when the lights of the temple are lit after the appropriate vigil. However, it’s necessary to consult the procession schedule for each destination, as they may be reduced or modified for security reasons.
But undoubtedly, Holy Week in Egypt, and more specifically Sham el-Nessim or Coptic Easter, is the best occasion for social gatherings and reunions with relatives and friends. And for this, nothing is better than traditional food around a table. Therefore, if you’re going to spend these dates in Egypt, you can taste three foods or dishes:
- Easter eggs: a tradition that reaches both Christians and non-Christians. For the former, it symbolizes fertility and the end of Lent. And for the latter, a tradition that goes back to the religion of Ancient Egypt, where they were already considered symbols of regeneration and life. Both decorate them with great detail, creating true works of art, both sweet and savory
- Fesikh: one of the few fish dishes in the country, served on these dates to symbolize fertility. In this other post we tell you about it in detail
- Vegetables: again, a nod to the fertility of the land. And in particular, plenty of onion and lettuce, perhaps because the ancient Egyptians already considered them capable of warding off bad omens
And in addition to all this, if you’re going to spend Holy Week in Egypt, you can take the opportunity to visit many other places sacred to Coptic Christianity, such as those we tell you about on this page, with special mention to the Cave Church in Cairo or the monasteries of Wadi Natrun, St. Paul, and St. Anthony. Contact us to explore these and other possibilities for your trip during these special dates.
