Moulids are Egyptian festivals held to honour a regions local saints and Islamic mystics, and the Moulid of Sayyid Ahmed Al-Badawi, held in the tiny Nile Delta town of Tanta, is one of the largest.

Around two million pilgrims travel to the city to gather around the towns ornate triple domed mosque where festival saint, Al-Badawi is buried. A city of white tents is constructed around the town by religious brotherhoods serving sheesha, tea and sugared nuts. Pilgrims and priests perform chanting prayers and ritual songs and dances to bring them closer to god and their saints during the moulid.

The final night of the eight day long festival is the climax of the chanting and red bannered parades as the brotherhoods founded by Al-Badawi celebrate with a drum ceremony.

The town is crowded and the atmosphere is frenetic, contrasting to Tanta’s normal industrial town vibe.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

what are the October 2009 dates (eight days) of Sayyed al Badawi

what are the October 2009 dates (eight days) for the Tanta Sayyed al Badawi moulid?

 

Question posted 9th May 2009 by thompson.

1 reply...

I think it's around the 12th of October this year. It's usually early to mid October.

 

Reply posted 9th May 2009 by amber.

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address