In Egypt, Christmas celebrations are officially sanctioned by Islamic clerics for people of all faiths, despite objections from some conservative Muslims. On Friday, January 7, the holiday season concluded with Coptic Christmas, observed by the vast majority of Christians in Egypt. For VOA, Hamada Elrasam has this photo essay, with words by Elle Kurancid.
In Photos: Egyptians Celebrate Coptic Christmas
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Egyptian worshippers celebrate Coptic Orthodox Christmas Eve Mass in the Church of Saint Samaan the Tanner, Cairo, Jan. 6, 2022. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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The capital city's iconic Cairo Tower is illuminated in red with the words "Merry Christmas" in Arabic and offset in green, Dec. 31, 2021. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Party supply stores across Cairo tell VOA they saw increased numbers of Muslim customers buying Christmas decorations this holiday season, Jan. 4, 2022. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Women dance with a man in a Santa Claus costume during a Christmas-themed performance in a historic neighborhood of Islamic Cairo, Dec. 31, 2021. (H. Elrasam/VOA)