Sham el-Nessim in Hurghada: the Egyptian spring festival, 2027 date and traditions

Updated on October 18, 2026

Sham el-Nessim, "the smell of the breeze", is an Egyptian spring festival celebrated by Muslims and Christians alike. It falls on the Monday after Coptic Easter: in 2027, Coptic Easter is Sunday 2 May, so Sham el-Nessim is on Monday 3 May 2027. This public holiday is spent with family, outdoors: picnics in parks, on beaches and by the water. In Hurghada, the public beaches and the seafront fill with Egyptian families, which makes it a lively day to experience on the spot, even if you did not know about the festival.

Highlights

Coloured eggs

Families dye hard-boiled eggs, a symbol of renewal found in the tradition since antiquity. They are decorated, given as gifts and eaten during the day.

Feseekh and the festive meal

The dish of the festival is feseekh, a salted, fermented mullet, served with spring onions, lettuce and bread. Its smell is strong and it does not suit every traveller; families prepare it or buy it in specialist shops.

Practical info

Tips

Feseekh is a fermented fish: cases of food poisoning are reported in Egypt every year when it is badly prepared. Buy it only from a reliable seller or restaurant, and avoid it if you have a delicate stomach; the eggs, spring onions and lettuce are easier to try. Government offices and banks are closed that day, and the public beaches are very busy: arrive early if you want space. Hotels often offer a special buffet or entertainment: ask them for the programme in advance. Avoid excursions on that day if you dislike crowds, since the most visited sites are also full of Egyptian families on holiday.

How to get there

The town's public beaches and the El Dahar seafront can be reached by taxi or minibus from the hotels. Taxis are scarcer late in the day: plan your return by Uber or agree the price before you leave.