Public parks in several Egyptian governorates to be closed on Sham El-Nessim day over coronavirus

CAIRO – 30 April 2021: Egyptian governors of Cairo, Alexandria, Fayoum, Damietta, Sohag and Qalyubia all ordered the closure of public beaches and parks on Sham El-Nessim next Monday.

On the day, which is a national holiday, Egyptians used to head out to parks, gardens and zoos with their families to enjoy their traditional meals of salted fish, onions and eggs.

They can also enjoy celebrating Easter and Sham El-Nessim in different places in whether in Cairo or in other governorates.

The decision issued by some governorates comes as the country has been amid a third wave of the coronavirus wave, which, according to the health minister, saw a surge in cases and deaths worldwide.

The festival is related to the agricultural background of ancient Egyptians. The name Sham El-Nessim or (inhaling the breeze) is derived from the Coptic language, which was derived from the ancient Egyptian language.

On Sham El-Nessim, both children and adults color and decorate eggs in various patterns, a traditional activity that goes back to the ancient Egyptians, with eggs being symbolic of new lives and new beginnings.

Last year, the government directed the closure of all beaches, gardens, tourist villages and all the public facilities where people usually celebrate on Sham El-Nessim amid fears of coronavirus spread.