As in other Orthodox Christian traditions in Russia, Serbia, and Ethiopia, Egyptian Coptic Christians have been celebrating the Christmas season with a month-long fast - a vegan type diet for 43 days leading up to the Christmas Day holiday January 7. At the culmination of the season Tuesday, Coptic Christian families in Cairo gathered to worship and sing, dressed in their best, to break the fast together and celebrate.
Egypt's Coptic Christians Celebrate Christmas
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A father buys shoes for his daughter ahead of Christmas. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Aiming to look their best on a special day, men get haircuts as they prepare to celebrate the feast with their families and friends. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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In Cairo's Garbage City, Coptic children enjoy time off from school during the holiday. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Entire families attend Mass on Christmas Eve, which for Coptic Christians falls on January 6th. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)