Coptic Christmas Day is an important holiday celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and falls on the 7th of January each year. The day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ as described in the Christian Bible. Although the holiday is observed by the Coptic Orthodox Church, it is recognised nationally, and is a public holiday in Egypt. The date of the celebration is set according to the Julian calendar, unlike most western Christmas celebrations which follow the Gregorian calendar, hence the difference in dates.
The holiday holds great religious significance for Coptic Christians in Egypt, who represent a sizable minority of the nation's population. The history and traditions of Coptic Christmas are much older than those of the Western Christmas and have been maintained faithfully over the centuries. Festivities commence with a fast known as the 'Nativity Fast', which starts 43 days before Christmas and consists of practicing dietary restrictions. This is followed by a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, which is a grand, spiritual celebration often attended by the President and other significant figures.
Coptic Christmas Day gained public holiday status in Egypt in 2002 by presidential decree, in a move to further national unity. On Coptic Christmas Day, families gather to share special meals. The feast typically consists of meat, poultry, or fish – dishes which they had given up during the preceding fast. The traditional dish of the holiday is 'fatta', a hearty, garlic-infused meat stew. In addition, Coptic Christmas Day is an occasion for charities to organize events and help the less fortunate, in the spirit of the season of giving.