• People take a ride on a roller coaster to celebrate Sham El Nassim at Giza Zoo, Egypt. EPA
    People take a ride on a roller coaster to celebrate Sham El Nassim at Giza Zoo, Egypt. EPA
  • Sham El Nassim is a national holiday in Egypt that marks the first day of spring. EPA
    Sham El Nassim is a national holiday in Egypt that marks the first day of spring. EPA
  • Sham El Nassim, which in Arabic means 'smelling the breeze', is a time when families spend time together. Giza Zoo is a popular destination.
    Sham El Nassim, which in Arabic means 'smelling the breeze', is a time when families spend time together. Giza Zoo is a popular destination.
  • A man feeds a chimpanzee at the zoo. EPA
    A man feeds a chimpanzee at the zoo. EPA
  • Sham El Nassim falls on the Monday following Coptic Easter Sunday. EPA
    Sham El Nassim falls on the Monday following Coptic Easter Sunday. EPA
  • Children feed a hippopotamus. EPA
    Children feed a hippopotamus. EPA
  • An Egyptian woman feeds a sea lion. EPA
    An Egyptian woman feeds a sea lion. EPA
  • Coptic Christian families celebrate Sham El Nassim. Getty Images
    Coptic Christian families celebrate Sham El Nassim. Getty Images
  • Coptic Christian families relax by the Nile banks in Al Barsha village, Egypt. Getty Images
    Coptic Christian families relax by the Nile banks in Al Barsha village, Egypt. Getty Images
  • Egyptians of all faiths celebrate Sham El Nassim. Getty Images
    Egyptians of all faiths celebrate Sham El Nassim. Getty Images
  • The annual festival dates back to the time of the pharaohs. Getty Images
    The annual festival dates back to the time of the pharaohs. Getty Images
  • This year, the celebration coincides with Ramadan. Getty Images
    This year, the celebration coincides with Ramadan. Getty Images
  • Coptic Christians celebrate Sham El Nassim at the Ascension Monastery in Mallawi, Egypt. Getty Images
    Coptic Christians celebrate Sham El Nassim at the Ascension Monastery in Mallawi, Egypt. Getty Images
  • MINYA, EGYPT - APRIL 25: Coptic Christians celebrate Sham el-Nessim at the Ascension Monastery on April 25, 2022 in Mallawi, Egypt. Egyptians of all faiths celebrate Sham el-Nassim, though in 2022 the celebration coincides with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. This annual festival dates back to the time of the pharaohs and celebrates the arrival of spring. (Photo by Roger Anis / Getty Images)
    MINYA, EGYPT - APRIL 25: Coptic Christians celebrate Sham el-Nessim at the Ascension Monastery on April 25, 2022 in Mallawi, Egypt. Egyptians of all faiths celebrate Sham el-Nassim, though in 2022 the celebration coincides with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. This annual festival dates back to the time of the pharaohs and celebrates the arrival of spring. (Photo by Roger Anis / Getty Images)
  • Coptic Christians on their way to the Ascension Monastery. Getty Images
    Coptic Christians on their way to the Ascension Monastery. Getty Images
  • Coptic Christian families celebrate the festival by the Nile banks in Al Barsha village. Getty Images
    Coptic Christian families celebrate the festival by the Nile banks in Al Barsha village. Getty Images
  • Coptic Christian families celebrate in Al Barsha village. Getty Images
    Coptic Christian families celebrate in Al Barsha village. Getty Images
  • A family spends time together at the Ascension Monastery. Getty Images
    A family spends time together at the Ascension Monastery. Getty Images
  • A man is all smiles with his child as spring finally arrives. Getty Images
    A man is all smiles with his child as spring finally arrives. Getty Images
  • Food, family, friends and fun. The spring festival of Sham El Nassim is a time for celebration. Getty Images
    Food, family, friends and fun. The spring festival of Sham El Nassim is a time for celebration. Getty Images

MENA

Egypt

Egyptian Coptic Christians celebrate Sham El Nassim - in pictures

The national holiday marks the first day of spring

The National

April 26, 2022

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  • Arabic
Updated: April 26, 2022, 9:46 AM
EgyptPhotography