West Bank Marathon
January
The Egyptian Marathon has to have one of the most dramatic settings in the world; runners start and finish at the glorious Hatshepsut Temple.
Moulid El Nabi
January/February
This is a grand celebration of the Prophet’s birthday. About a week beforehand stalls selling the traditional sugar dollies, dressed in beautiful bridal clothes, appear, and on the Holy Day itself there is much music, feasting and picturesque celebrations.
Luxor African Film Festival
March
This renowned film festival celebrates the best in contemporary African film, with lots of screenings, discussions and events.
Moulid of Abu el-Haggag
June/July
This traditional festival is Luxor’s largest, taking place in the Islamic month of Shaaban (one month before Ramadan), and pays homage to Luxor’s patron sheikh – ‘moulid’ means birthday – with a grand procession of decorative floats, as well as concerts, dramatic stick fights and horse races.
Ramadan
July/August
After the Ramadan fast during daylight hours, local Muslims gather after dark to hear zikrs and musicians on Midan el-Haggag, Luxor’s main square, where families also picnic en masse for three days after the end of Ramadan.