Egyptian Eid Traditions We Pretend to Outgrow (But Never Do)
Eid in Egypt isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-on experience. From money showers (a.k.a. eideyya) to feasting on everything we can get our hands on, Eid is the perfect blend of family, fun, and food comas.
Whether you’re the one running around collecting cash or the unfortunate soul handing it out, there’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about these traditions. Let’s dive into the ones we love the most (even if we secretly complain about them).
1. Eideyya: The Best (or Worst) Part of Eid
As kids, nothing felt better than that crisp cash landing in our hands from literally every adult in the room. Eid was basically our annual payday, and we flexed those new bills like we just got our first salary.
But if you’re now the one giving out eideyya? Yeah, suddenly, it’s less fun. You’re just standing there as a swarm of kids you barely know extends their hands, and you start wondering if there’s an age limit for this tradition (spoiler: there isn’t).
2. Balloons, Sweets, and Eid Prayer Shenanigans
There’s something about Eid morning that just hits differently. The streets are packed, the mosques are overflowing, and then—bam!—balloons start raining from above.
It’s the ultimate post-prayer celebration, with kids running around hyped up on sugar from the sweets people hand out. The whole thing feels like one big, wholesome block party, and honestly? We live for it.
3. Kahk: The Dessert We Wait All Year For
Ramadan spoils us with kunafa, basbousa, and qatayef, but we still save the grand finale for Eid: kahk. These powdered sugar-coated cookies are the real MVP, whether they’re stuffed with dates, walnuts, or just plain goodness.
And let’s be real, no matter how many times we say we’ll only have “one or two,” we always end up in a full-blown kahk coma.
4. Feseekh and Renga: The Smelly But Essential Eid Feast
Some people associate Eid with the sweet smell of kahk. Others? With the unmistakable (read: overwhelming) scent of feseekh and renga.
The salty, fermented fish combo is a love-it-or-hate-it tradition, but one thing’s for sure: Eid isn’t complete without that one uncle who insists it’s “an acquired taste” while the rest of the family debates whether they can handle the smell.
5. Family Gatherings & Nostalgic Plays
Eid is peak family bonding time. Whether it’s a chaotic gathering at your grandparents’ house or a chill day spent binge-watching old plays like ‘Madraset El Moshaghbeen’ for the hundredth time, it’s all about the vibes.
The mix of nostalgia, overstuffed bellies, and relatives asking too many personal questions makes for a classic Eid experience.
At the end of the day, Eid is all about the traditions that bring us together—whether it’s through food, laughter, or a little bit of chaos. So, grab some kahk, dodge those eidaya-collecting kids, and enjoy the holiday vibes while they last. Eid Mubarak!
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