Sham el-Nessim: The Egyptian Spring Festival

Festivals are a special time to meet friends and family, share good food, and make memories. We are always excited and we wait for festivals. And I love learning about festivals from different cultures. Today, I’m going to share about a unique and much-loved festival celebrated by Egyptians. It’s a year-old tradition that holds a very special place in their hearts!

'Timeless Celebration of Spring and Renewal'

What is the meaning of Sham El-Nessim?

Sham El-Nessim, the beginning of spring and the promise of renewal. Sham El-Nessim festival is a celebration that takes place in the same breath as Easter, falls on the day after Easter Sunday each year. The word Sham El-Nessim translates to ‘smelling the breeze’ in English and is originally pronounced as ‘Tshom Ni Tshom’ (garden meadows). As per the translation this festival must be celebrated outdoors, encouraging the whole population to enjoy the fresh air outdoors. So, the celebratory spaces usually include picnics in green spaces, public gardens, the banks of the Nile, or even the local zoo. 

The rituals and beliefs associated with today’s Sham El-Nessim celebration in Egypt link it directly to Ancient Egyptian feasts. The speciality of this festival is, it has been celebrated since 2700 BC by all Egyptians regardless of their religion, beliefs, and social status. The festival is to celebrate creation and renewal. Ancient Egyptians, who called it ‘The Feast of Shmo’ (The revival of life), determined the exact date each year by measuring the sun's alignment with the Great Pyramid in Giza. 

When is Sham el-Nessim?

This year, Sham El-Nessim will be celebrated on Monday, April 21. It follows Coptic Easter, which always falls on Monday.

What do people do during Sham El-Nessim? 

• The festival is all about soaking and inhaling fresh air. Families and friends go to outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, Nile banks or the countryside to spend quality time.
• People gather and eat the signature dish ‘feseekh”  which is a salted and fermented fish served with onions and lettuce. Even other dishes are being served like boiled eggs, fresh vegetables and renga “smoked herring” 
• People paint and decorate boiled eggs in vibrant colors.
• People celebrate with traditional music, dance performances, and folk songs. 
• Since the festival is all about the start of spring, flowers play a major role in Sham el-Nissim. Events like flower shows take place where they decorate spaces with different colourful blooms. 
• Mandatory boat rides on the Nile river, as many families enjoy the gentle breeze and views.

Interesting right, How even after years this unique festival is alive among the people of Egypt. This April come and be a part of these unique festivals. Don't worry about the flights, Rehlat gives you the best offers. What's stopping great deals ahead? Book your flights now.