Discounts For Divers - Egypt Tourist Information

Egypt Tourist Information

Public Holidays and Festivals

Another of Egypt’s great pleasures is witnessing one of its many festivals.
The most significant celebration is Ramadan which commemorates when the Koran was revealed to Mohammed and is when all Muslims (i.e. most of the population) rigorously observe a total fast from sunrise to sunset for a whole month.
The fast involves abstention from food, drink and smoking during daylight hours, and no sex throughout the month. Opening times and transport schedules become rather random and most local cafes and restaurants close during the day which can make Ramadan a difficult time to holiday in Egypt although there is an upside with the celebrations, eating and entertainment at night.
Non-Muslim’s are not expected to observe Ramadan but you would gain a lot of local respect if you did. You will probably need to at least drink water in the heat.
Other important Muslim holidays are Eid el-Adha, the Great Feast which celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to obey God and sacrifice his son (expect to see slaughtered sheep hanging in the streets, Ras el-Sana el-Hegira, the Muslim New Year and Moulid el-Nabi, the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.
Islamic religious festivals do not have fixed dates, they change each year based on the lunar calendar.

Dos and Don’ts

Street vendors in tourist areas can giving visitors the feeling that all Egyptians are just after your money. Get away from the tourist resorts and you’ll see that in fact this is not the case and that the Egyptian people are incredibly friendly.
In non tourist areas dress conservatively in long trousers and shoulder covering shirts.
When bargaining never be rude or aggressive.
Ask permission before taking someone’s photo
If invited to a home, remove your shoes before entering.
The left hand is used for "unclean" functions in Egypt (even if you are left handed) so you will be considered unhygienic if you put food in your mouth with your left hand. You should also avoid passing things to people or accepting things with your left hand.