Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. In order to see how other cultures celebrate, people are increasingly opting to travel abroad during the festive season. Opt for somewhere warmer this Christmas with Sharm el Sheikh holidays or other exotic breaks.
Equal enthusiasm is shown by both Muslims and Christians when celebrating the birth of Jesus. Egypt is a fascinating spot to spend your festive period because of this mixture of customs. The 40 days preceding the event is traditionally known as the period of Advent and is observed with a fast.
Head to a church service and join the masses on Christmas Eve by treating yourself to a colourful new outfit. Following this, it is tradition to return home and dine on fata, a meal consisting of rice, garlic and boiled meat. Visits to neighbours, friends and family is often done on Christmas morning in Egypt.
The surrounding area around Palma can grind to a bit of a halt over Christmas if you elect for Mallorca holidays. Spectacular nativity scenes make the city come alive and you’ll be able to snap up any last minute stocking fillers at the charming Christmas markets. It is a family affair on Christmas Day as people tend to dine at home with their loved ones. Juta is a traditional Christmas dance accompanied by dramatic guitars and castanets and residents take to the streets to dance it after bellies are suitably full.
A time filled with tradition and tasty treats can be had on Crete holidays if you’re lucky enough to have booked a trip here. Pigs have been reared by families for centuries in order to slaughter them on Christmas Eve and serve them up for dinner the next day. On the second day of Christmas, sausages will be made out of any left overs to eat at a later date so not a scrap of meat will be wasted.