Egypt’s Unique Valentine’s Day Celebration

Egypt is set to celebrate its own Valentine’s Day on November 4th, a unique tradition that sets it apart from the rest of the world. But what’s the story behind this special day, and who came up with the idea?

The Origins of Egyptian Valentine’s Day

The concept of celebrating Valentine’s Day on November 4th in Egypt is attributed to the renowned writer Mustafa Amin. In his column, “Akhbar al-Youm,” published in the newspaper “Fekra,” Amin proposed dedicating November 4th to celebrate love in all its forms – love of God, country, family, friends, neighbors, and humanity.

Amin emphasized that love has the power to restore our values and virtues, as it is an inherent part of our nature. He believed that by spreading love and kindness, we can bring people together and foster a sense of community.

The Significance of November 4th

So, why was November 4th chosen as the day to celebrate Egyptian Valentine’s Day? According to Amin’s story, he witnessed a funeral in the Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood on this day, where only three people were in attendance. This poignant scene inspired Amin to choose November 4th as a day to spread love and affection among the community.

Amin’s Daughter Confirms the Story

In a 2017 interview, Safia Mustafa Amin, the daughter of Mustafa Amin, confirmed the authenticity of her father’s story. She explained that her father chose November 4th to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a way to promote love and kindness in society.

Egyptian Celebration

Today, Egyptians celebrate Valentine’s Day twice a year, on November 4th and February 14th. On these days, people come together to exchange gifts, flowers, and sweets, and to congratulate each other on this joyous occasion.