Coptic Christmas Description
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Coptic Orthodox calendar, observed on January 7 (29 Kiahk in the Coptic calendar). Coptic Christians, who make up approximately 10% of Egypt's population, attend a special midnight liturgy on Christmas Eve, preceded by a 43-day period of vegan fasting. Churches across Egypt, particularly the Hanging Church and St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, are beautifully decorated with lights. Government offices, banks, and many businesses close for the day.
