For nearly half a century in the village of Al-Sherif, 120 kilometers south of Cairo, Muslim and Christian neighbors have marked the birth of Jesus with a five-day-long, open-door celebration that began on January 2, ahead of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christmas on the 7th. Photojournalist Hamada Elrasam has the story. Captions by Elle Kurancid.
Christmas in Egyptian Village Fosters Message of Christian-Muslim Values
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Hajj Zarief’s Christmas event also sees Muslim and Christian worshippers from the surrounding villages, with some traveling by donkey or on foot to reach Al-Sherif, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Attendees enjoy complimentary tea during Christmas celebrations in Al-Sherif, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Ramadan, a 45-year-old farmer, says, “Christians from nearby villages often volunteer with us, making tea and cooking food for the people, before they get busy with their church celebrations.” In Al-Sherif, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Muslim worshippers perform “Zikr,” a Sufi dance ritual and spiritual meditation that inspires oneness with God’s love and teachings, in Al-Sherif, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)