The announcement of the date of Sham al-Nessim 2024 by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) has aroused the enthusiasm of Egyptians, especially lovers of ancient traditions and celebrations.
Announced for Monday May 6, Sham al-Nessim is an official holiday in Egypt which celebrates the arrival of spring. Traditionally celebrated the day after Coptic Passover, this festivity has particular importance for Egyptian families.
The Egyptian Cabinet made an important decision by moving the Labor holiday from Wednesday May 1 to the following day, Thursday May 2, thus allowing a long weekend of five consecutive days:
Thursday, May 2: Public holiday for Labor Day.
Friday May 3: Weekend.
Saturday May 4: Weekend.
Sunday May 5: Special day in certain institutions, including banks, due to Coptic Passover.
Monday May 6: Official public holiday to celebrate Sham al-Nessim.
Sham al-Nessim festivities traditionally begin with the coloring of eggs in bright colors, followed by the tasting of salted fish such as herring and Fesikh, delicacies that the ancient Egyptians consumed on this special day.
Every year, Egyptians look forward to this celebration which brings together friends and family to celebrate the arrival of spring together and perpetuate age-old traditions.
This long-awaited announcement has revived the spirit of community and sharing that characterizes this unique celebration in Egypt, where history and culture blend to create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The images of the celebration of Sham al-Nessim in Egypt are a vibrant testimony to the richness of this centuries-old tradition which continues to bring hearts together and symbolize the spirit of renewal and hope symbolized by the arrival of spring.