Egyptians to celebrate Eid in public squares on Tuesday

[DJKeefy]

Millions are expected to gather for early prayers on Tuesday, marking the first day of Eid Al-Adha.

Egyptian Muslims are expected to gather in public squares early on Tuesday for Eid Al-Adha prayers.

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious occasions of the Muslim calendar.

In Cairo, the prayers are expected to take place at 6:22am, according to the National Institute for Astronomy and Geophysics.

In the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, the prayers are due at 6:28am. They will take place in Upper Egypt's Aswan at 6:11am and the Red Sea's Hurgada at 5:55am.

After the prayers, those who are financially able will slaughter sheep or cows, donating the meat to the poor. Families also congregate in public areas and pay family visits during the celebrations.

Traditionally, children expect an "eideya," a special sum of money from the grown-ups in their family, as well as a new set of clothes.

Eid Al-Adha is especially significant because it marks the annual Hajj, or the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Around two million pilgrims have arrived at the site for this year's Hajj.

Egyptians are bracing for anticipated violence during the Eid holiday, as the country continues to be rocked by unrest since president Mohamed Morsi's ouster in July.

Eid lasts from 15th to 18th October this year.

Source: http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/83904.aspx

[LovelyLadyLux]

Out of curiosity does anybody know if there are many or any Egyptians from Luxor making the trek and doing Hajj?