Culture and Heritage Events
Winter Solstice Sunrise
On December 21st every year, the world watches in wonder the solar alignment phenomenon on the Holy of Holies shrine which used to house Amun’s statue at Karnak Temple. Both locals and tourists crowd into the temple to mark the beginning of the germination season in ancient Egypt. To celebrate the event, there tends to be a variety of folkloric dances representing Luxor heritage, showing the world how proud the city is of its ancient and momentous past.
Moulid of Abu al-Haggag
The festival of the patron sheikh of Luxor, al-Haggag, happens annually on the third week before Ramadan, and is unique in that it is attended by locals of all faiths and ages. The festival takes place around the Mosque of Abu al-Haggad, which is Luxor’s oldest mosque, and lasts five days. The festival is well known for its vibrant atmosphere, as the carnival-style celebrations spill out onto the streets.
Moulid of Mari Girgis
Also known as the Festival of Saint George, this is a Christian celebration at the Monastery of Saint George, but is also attended by Muslims. The festivals lasts the whole week around Saint George’s day, which is celebrated on November 11th in Egypt. Many families camp to partake in the whole weeks’ activities, whereas some visit only for one day; visitor numbers lie in the tens of thousands. An important aspect of the festival is the slaughter house, where animals who are paraded with a banner and drummers are taken for blessing and slaughter. Within the monastery there are stalls selling objects, similar to what you would find in an Egyptian souk.
Luxor Marathon
One of the oldest marathons in Africa and the Middle East, the Luxor Marathon takes place annually in January and is set to have its 31st event in 2024. The race travels through the various historical sites of Luxor, and the runner feels emersed in the history of the city. Beginning in the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the race carries on through the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and through an authentic Egyptian town in the West Bank. Then, the race makes its way through Habu and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, along with other monuments.