Sinai Liberation Day

Timing

25 April is a national occasion marking the liberation of Sinai. On this day the Egyptian flag was raised over Rafah in northern Sinai and Sharm El-Sheikh in southern Sinai, after the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Taba was finally liberated on 19 March 1989.

Historical background

The liberation of the Sinai Peninsula came after a series of Egyptian-Israeli conflicts that began with the 1956 war and continued through several battles until Egypt’s victory in October 1973. The Camp David conference was held in 1978, and a peace treaty was signed on 26 March 1979. It was the first step towards political negotiations.

How it is celebrated

Sinai Liberation Day is mostly marked with official events. The president usually gives a speech, and ceremonies are held in the Sinai governorates, especially in El-Arish, Sharm El-Sheikh and other towns of the peninsula.

Television and newspapers look back at the war years, the peace negotiations and the long legal process that returned Taba. Patriotic songs are played and some schools hold events in the days before the holiday.

For many families, though, the holiday is mainly a spring day off. As it comes close to Sham El-Nessim, some people combine the two for a short break, and the resorts of South Sinai can be busier than usual.

What is open and closed

Government offices, banks and schools close. Shops, restaurants and cafes are usually open, and archaeological sites and museums usually keep their normal hours.

In 2027 the date falls on a Sunday. The government sometimes moves national holidays to the Thursday before or after, so check the official announcement nearer the time.