As Egypt is predominately Muslim, the major holidays are
Islamic: the Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice, following the
conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca; and the Eid al-
Fitr, or Feast of the Breaking of the Fast, following the end of
the fast during the month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muham-
mad’s birthday (Mawlid an-Nabi) is another important Mus-
lim feast day. There are also pre-Islamic holidays, including the
springtime festival called Sniffing the Breeze (Sham el-Naseem).
During each of these holidays, large embroidered tents are
erected on city streets, within which sweets, toys, and holiday
decorations are sold.