In pics: Christmas in Nubia

CAIRO – 31 December 2018: Nubians came up with dozens of ideas during Christmas to attract visitors from Egypt or abroad, including organizing African shows, Jellabiya (garment) party and many other traditional Nubian events.

Egypt Today took a tour in Nubia during this time of year and attended a couple of these events.

Amid fabulous nature and surrounded by the Nile and mountains, Nubia offers a special kind of enjoyment in its celebrations.

“Here we like to be surrounded by a lot of colors, music, simplicity and joy all the time,” Waleed al-Bob, one of the Nubians told Egypt Today. He added that the Nubian people's traditions cannot be separated from Egypt’s nature. "We don’t like the capital’s noise, rapid rhythm or technology. This is our little secret that attracts tourists from all over the world,” he said.

“Our homes are primitive; we prefer to stay this way. Also, the houses are not very high, a maximum of two floors and built of mud brick. We enjoy a simple life and depend mainly on agriculture and tourism,” Bob continued.

In pics: et reviews; Beauty of Nubian culture

CAIRO - 5 April 2018: From the first step into the Nubian Village, one feels comfortable and cheerful; the houses are decorated with beautiful, simple colors that are comfortable for the eyes. The Nubian civilization is undoubtedly an ancient civilization.

Abdel Fattah Hassan, head of the General Nubian Union, told Egypt Today that the consequences of January 25 revolution in 2011 led Nubians to think of different ways to survive. “The political events affected everything and we had to come up with new ideas to revive tourism. We thought of using nature around us and, by time, we found positive results, and tourists started to come back. The rates improved by the day,” Hassan said.

Regarding the Christmas celebrations, Hassan said that Nubians always update their programs for tourists especially during important events and holidays, such as Christmas. “We mix the celebrations with our traditions and offer a variety of choices for tourists to enjoy their holiday in Egypt,” Hassan added.

Ahmed Sahmpo, another Nubian who spoke to Egypt Today, affirmed that the Nubians' message has always been the same and never changed. “It’s about spreading peace, joy and love for everyone; this is who we are, and what our culture is all about,” he concluded.



Nubian celebrations during 2018’s Christmas- Abdallah Saleh/Egypt Today


Nubian celebrations during 2018’s Christmas- Abdallah Saleh/Egypt Today


Nubian celebrations during 2018’s Christmas- Abdallah Saleh/Egypt Today


Nubian celebrations during 2018’s Christmas- Abdallah Saleh/Egypt Today