Egyptian Christmas

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The Coptic Christmas, might not be the main festival on the Christian calendar, but it is a very special occasion marking the birth of Jesus Christ. That particular honour is bestowed on Easter, with its celebration of the resurrection of Christ, which is called by Egyptian Christians the Al-Eid Al-Kebir (the Big Feast). Christmas, on the other hand, is popularly known as Al-Eid Al-Sughayar (the Little Feast). Moreover, Christmas is an opportunity for celebrating the humility of the Christ born in the manger. Copts flock to churches to celebrate the Christmas mass in the evening of 6 January and after mass they savour the midnight feast of mid-winter when meat is devoured in a variety of traditional dishes.

photos: Sherif Sonbol