Egyptians celebrated Sham El-Nessim for the first time during the ancient Egyptian era. They continued to celebrate the festive event during the Ptolemaic era, Roman era, Middle Ages, and up to the present day. Ancient Egyptians offered salted fish, lettuce, and onions to pharaohs’ gods during the spring festival known as Shemu. Egyptians also celebrate Easter directly according to the Coptic Church calendar. Sham El-Nessim is an Egyptian tradition and a social occasion where all Egyptians commemorate the arrival of spring; they relax, strengthen family bonds, visit parks, and engage in some Egyptian national customs.
In this blog, we present suggestions for places to visit and celebrate with your family and friends, making this special day enjoyable.
When is Sham El-Nessim 2024?
Sham El-Nessim falls on Monday, May 6, 2024, the second day after Easter.
Where can I do some Activities in Sham El-Nessim?
Fagnoon:
The name “Fagnoon” is a combination of the words “art and madness,” it is one of the rare places not far from Cairo where you can enjoy freedom of thought and madness without constraints. Fagnoon was created specifically for children to enjoy drawing, playing, running, and engaging in various activities and crafts (such as printing, pottery, woodworking, ironwork, and carpet weaving) away from the noise and crowds of Cairo. It was founded by the world-renowned Egyptian artist “Mohamed Allam,” who believes in having an ideal society where freedom of expression is available and respect for the environment is paramount. Fagnoon is a place dedicated to the family, where you can freely choose what you want to do; you can color on walls, play with clay, or enjoy freedom in a vast space. In addition, the children’s playground offers freedom of movement, climbing games, and riding horses, donkeys, or camels. Your visit to Fagnoon is not costly at all, as ‘Fagnoon Art’ is a place that allows you to practice painting, coloring, sculpture, and acting, and Fagnoon El-Fallah offers village activities such as kneading, baking, farming, and riding animals, all agricultural activities are available throughout the week.
The location of Fagnoon:
Africano Park:
Africa Safari Park invites you to an unforgettable adventure amidst nature and animals. It is the first safari park in Egypt that offers a bold and daring experience. The park is the largest open-air park in Egypt, where you can spend a fun-filled day surrounded by wild animals in an environment that resembles their natural habitat. The park is on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, 164 kilometers from Cairo. Activities include observing the animals in their natural habitat, such as lions and monkeys, indulging in a river trip on the artificial river inside the village, exploring bird and reptile caves, and taking pictures with different animals.
The location of Africano Park:
The pharaonic village:
Consider visiting the Pharaonic Village with your children for an educational and enjoyable experience. The village is situated on Pharaonic Island along Al Bahr Al Aazam street. Take a floating boat ride through the water channels and explore a range of museums, including Gamal Abdel Nasser Museum, Former President Mohamed Anwar El Sadat Museum, Mummification Museum, Boats Museum, Islamic Museum, Coptic Museum, and Pyramids Museum. You can also see a model of Tutankhamun’s tomb, visit the Arts Center, enjoy the 9D cinema, and stop by the petting zoo before trying various restaurants and cafes.
Location of the pharaonic village:
The International Park:
The park is called “International Park” because it is divided into sections representing a different country. You can stroll along the wide pathways, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, or ride the train that circles the park in around 15 minutes. As you explore the park, you’ll discover the unique characteristics of each section; despite being located in the bustling area of Nasr City in Cairo, the park provides a serene escape. If you get hungry, a mall inside the park serves fast food. You can also visit the mini zoo, home to exotic animals such as peacocks, ostriches, and birds with unusual appearances. Inside the zoo, there’s a small museum featuring stuffed animals and skeletal remains, including animals from South America and giant Asian snakes capable of swallowing three times their size. Information about the exhibits is provided nearby. Take the chance to ride the horror train, a dark tent where scary masks suddenly appear alongside loud, startling laughter. The train ride is highly recommended for its entertaining and enjoyable experience.
Location of the international park:
Where can I spend a day-use outside Cairo?
Al Fayoum:
Fayoum, a scenic region close to Cairo, is often overlooked despite its breathtaking beauty. It features diverse landscapes comprising mountains, deserts, and lakes, including the famous Lake Qarun. Located around 100 kilometers from Cairo, Fayoum can be reached within one and a half to two hours. The region offers numerous attractions, including the Magical Lake, Tunis Village, Wadi El Hitan Protectorate, and Fayoum Waterfalls, all worth exploring. Fayoum is ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s wonders.
How to reach Al Fayoum?
Ain Sokhna:
Ain Sokhna is a coastal destination located about 130 kilometers from the heart of Cairo, which can be reached within an hour and a half. The place is known for its enchanting beaches and sands, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The serene atmosphere of the place during this time of the year makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood meals at various restaurants, a day at one of the Ain Sokhna hotels, or the public beaches.
How to reach Ain Sokhna?
Where can I spend a long weekend during the Sham El-Nessim holiday?
Sharm El-Sheikh:
With its breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches, and inviting waters, Sharm El-Sheikh is undoubtedly one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations. Spring is the best time to visit as the climate becomes more moderate, making it even more beautiful. Located on the Red Sea and approximately 500 kilometers from Cairo, the city is about 6-7 hours away from the capital. Sharm El-Sheikh offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, where one can see the beautiful corals and marine life on beaches such as Ras Mohammed and Naama Bay. For scuba diving enthusiasts, there’s the option to dive with a guide or alone if you have a license. The best place to dive is Ras Mohammed. Guests can also engage in various water sports or enjoy safari tours in the deserts of Sharm El-Sheikh.
How to reach Sharm El-Sheikh?
Where do you spend a day in Cairo?
Nile Paradise:
Experience an unforgettable day in Egypt at the Nile Paradise Resort, a top-rated destination that offers an affordable and enjoyable experience. For those in Cairo seeking the perfect day out, the resort has it all: from swimming pools to children’s games, meal options, competitions, and entertainment shows. You can relax and unwind while your children are safe and entertained. The resort’s facilities are designed for all ages and interests, making it an ideal choice for families and groups. So, if you want to have a great time in Egypt.
Location of Nile Paradise:
ByootBay Hotel and Resort:
BayootBay in Cairo offers a unique day-use experience that transports guests to a coastal resort without significant travel. The facility provides a range of entertainment options, comfortable hotel rooms, a swimming pool area, and water games. You can also enjoy various refreshing food and drinks, making it a perfect place to unwind. Bayt Bay is conveniently located on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Exit 5, near Dandy Mall and Sphinx International Airport, making it easily accessible for locals and tourists. Visit BayootBay for a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location of ByootBay Hotel and Resort:
Where can I enjoy water activities in Cairo?
Aqua Park:
Cairo Aqua Park is the largest water park in Egypt, located on an expansive 17-acre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s dozens of water games, chalets, administrative buildings, and food courts. Upon entering, the park offers a wide range of exciting games visitors can enjoy, including more than 60 water games suitable for all ages and electric games such as the rocket game and hanging train. There are also play areas designed for children and over ten swimming pools. Visitors can also enjoy dolphin shows, theatrical performances, and central restaurants serving meals. Chalets are also available for visitors looking to relax and be hospitable. Cairo Aqua Park is situated at Kilometer 31 on the Cairo-Ismailia Desert Road, near Al Obour, making it easily accessible.
Location of Aqua Park:
Crazy Water:
Crazy Water is a family-friendly water park in Cairo, offering a range of water games and facilities. Visitors can enjoy many water slides and pools dedicated to water volleyball. The park has taken safety measures by paving all areas with hard stones to prevent slipping and providing lighting poles along paths. Moreover, the park has restaurants that serve delicious Eastern cuisine. Crazy Water is located at Kilometer 10.5 on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, near the 6th of October City entrance.
Location of Crazy Water:
Where can I eat the best food for Sham El-Nessim?
Souq El Rehab:
Souq El Rehab is a well-known open-air market in the eastern part of Cairo Governorate, specifically in New Cairo. It is near Nasr City and Fifth Settlement, along the Suez Desert Road. The Souq offers a wide range of products and services to fulfill the needs of Rehab residents and neighboring communities. Visitors can explore the market to find specialty shops selling meat, poultry, bakeries, and healthy food options like Fasakhani Al Hamady for Fesikh and herring and ibn el sham for Syrian food. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafes. Souq El Rehab is the perfect one-stop shop for all your needs.
Location of Souq El Rehab:
Conclusion :
Egypt is a magnificent destination that offers endless holiday options for visitors. Its warm, sunny weather year-round makes it an ideal place for every holiday seeker. From luxurious beach resorts to ancient historical sites, the country offers various attractions catering to different interests. Egypt has everything you need, whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-packed trip. It’s a perfect place to enjoy quality time with your family and friends while exploring this fascinating country’s rich culture and history.
