Armed Forces Feast

Historical background

Egyptians celebrate this victory every year on 6 October, the most widely celebrated national occasion in the country. It marks the anniversary of the Egyptian Armed Forces’ victory over the Israeli army in the 1973 War, when Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal and liberated the Sinai Peninsula from Israeli occupation.

Celebrations

The armed forces usually organise several activities, such as a radio serial about the martyrs of the October War and contests on military battles, arts and history. Cultural events are held too, including artistic performances, plays, fine art exhibitions and seminars.

How it is celebrated

The day starts with official ceremonies. The president usually lays a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Nasr City, Cairo, and leading figures visit the memorials of the war.

Television channels show films, documentaries and interviews with veterans, and patriotic songs from the 1970s are played everywhere. Schools and universities often hold events in the days before, and the streets are decorated with flags.

If you want to learn more about the war, the October War Panorama in Cairo shows the crossing of the Suez Canal in a large circular painting with a commentary, and the National Military Museum in the Citadel has halls on the 1973 war.

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.

As 6 October 2027 is a Wednesday, the government may move the day off to the Thursday to give a long weekend. Check the official announcement a week or two before if you have business to do.