Egypt is home to nearly >9 million Coptic Christians and an additional one million dispersed around the world. This gives the North African country the title of the region's largest Christian community.
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, much like Armenian Christians, >Copts in Egypt celebrate it in January rather than the universal Dec. 25.
Whether or not there's still time before Jan. 7 is here, celebrations and decorations have already started creeping up on people in the country. Over the years, it has become customary for Egyptian Muslims and Christians to come together during the holiday; public spaces dress up in flickering lights with plenty of green and red ornaments for all eyes to enjoy.
Christmas festivities for Copts pack their own set of customs and traditions that have been passed on from one generation to the other. So how exactly do they go down? Here's a glimpse:
In preparation for Christmas, Egyptian Christians fast for 43 days
Coptic Christians start prepping for Christmas weeks ahead; we're not only talking about putting up the holiday tree and getting all the gifts ready.
The >community observes a 43-day fast known as The Holy Nativity Fast. Starting on Nov. 25 and ending on Jan. 6 - the night before they celebrate Christmas - believers follow a strict vegan diet with no meat and animal products whatsoever.
The month leading up to the holiday is called Kiahk and comes fourth in the Egyptian Coptic Calendar. Throughout this month, Copts gather at churches every Saturday and take part in singing praise songs.
Cairo and cities across Egypt are decked with decorations
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country that celebrates Christmas with decorations, jingles, and lots of holiday vibes. The season unites all the different sects in the country ... because everyone deserves to enjoy some much-needed cheer and joy.
So what happens on Christmas Eve?
Copts gather at churches for a liturgy service, which takes place at around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 6. This service usually wraps up at midnight, though many churchgoers stay well into the early hours of the morning.
Next comes a huge family gathering where those who were fasting delve into the most Christmassy of feasts.
The most important Egyptian Christmas dish, fatta, is the star on the table. The meal is made up of rice, bread, garlic, and plenty of boiled meat. Accompanying it are eggs, butter, cheese, and all other foods observers missed out on for 43 days.
Baba Noël makes an appearance
In Egypt, Santa Claus is known as Baba Noël (Father Christmas).
Kids place special delicacies like kahk (traditional cookies) outside their homes in the hope that he drops by.
Cookies and milk in the West? Egyptians have the stuffed goods ... maamoul.
The food section (because there are too many!):
The festivities continue on Christmas morning with Kahk El Eid
On Christmas mornings, Egyptian Copts go on family visits and, of course, gift each house they pass by the star of the holiday: kahk.
Kahk el Eid is a delicacy popular across the country and served during both Christian and Muslim holidays. Also known as maamoul, the traditional cookies are stuffed with either pistachios, walnuts, or dates.
Naturally, Christmas breakfast is followed by a festive lunch, because what are holidays without all the delicious food (and family, of course)?
Deep-fried zalabia are distributed to those in need
Similar to donuts - but, and with all bias, much better - zalabia is a deep-fried dough with no specific shape; it comes with with either sugar syrup drizzled on top or powdered sugar.
You might see it wearing the disguise of perfect rounded balls or random disproportional figures; you will eat a dozen and enjoy it regardless.
Bouri fish is also part of the give-the-poor tradition
Bouri, or better known as mullet fish, is one of the last pieces to make Christmas in Egypt all the more generous and warm.
Along with zalabia, bouri is distributed to the less privileged people and families as this holiday is about giving, loving, and helping others.