Sham El-Nisim, which literally translates to the 'smelling of the breeze,' is a national Egyptian holiday marking the beginning of Spring.
The holiday, which falls on the day after Easter, is celebrated by locals of all religions as is based on an ancient Egyptian Spring festival that predates both Christianity and Islam.
Even though it is a Pharaonic feast, every year ultra-conservative Salafists issue fatwas prohibiting Muslims from celebrating Sham El-Nisim or else they will be considered "atheists."
Salafist clerics claim that celebrating the day means Muslims are celebrating a Christian feast. Despite this being false, it is still not accepted.
Regardless, Egyptians come together to celebrate the 4 millennia old holiday. It's an occasion that brings the family together, and who doesn't love that?
Here is a closer look at the main feats of Sham El-Nisim.
It starts with one amazing breakfast ...
... Brioche, delicious, warm brioche to be specific. This special kind of brioche is made especially for the occasion, and is served along with hard-boiled eggs that are colored.
Egyptian families traditionally use onion peels to give eggshells a brown coloring, beetroots for red, and celery and parsley for green.
Enjoying the outdoor weather
People spend the day out in any green space, public garden, or on the banks of the Nile.
It's all about smelling the breeze, right?
Food, food and more food
Traditional food served on this day consists mainly of fresh vegetables, like lettuce and green onions.
And of course, the main theme of the day is traditional salted fish.
Renga!
Smoked and salted herrings are chopped and mixed with onions and tomatoes.
Sardines
Salted of course, and so yummy.
It's not over yet because ...
Feseekh ... of course!
Feseekh is seen as the king of the table on this day. It is a fermented, salted and dried grey mullet.
There be no Sham El-Nisim without feseekh!
Time for some Tirmis while watching TV!
Boiled and seasoned lupini beans are available all year round, but are served as a staple snack in Egyptian houses on Sham El-Nisim.
Helba
This is a favorite among children. Just cover some fenugreek seeds with a wet towel for 3-4 days... and boom!
Sprouts, delicious, sweet sprouts.
And after so much salt, we usually drink gallons of water!
Happy Sham El-Nisim, everyone!