Overview
- The Egyptian education ministry this Saturday ordered a ban on “non‑Egyptian cultural festivals,” leading several international schools in Cairo to cancel Halloween activities and say police will enforce limits on public costumes and gatherings.
- Dar al‑Ifta, Egypt’s official house of Islamic jurisprudence, has long said Halloween is not part of Islamic heritage and urged Muslims to avoid the trend.
- School leaders and parents in Cairo voiced disappointment, with administrators saying cancellations undermine the schools’ international mission and some families lamenting the loss of a popular community event.
- Authorities told schools that only nationally recognized and religious holidays may be taught or celebrated, and some schools asked students to change into costumes only at private events to avoid street displays.
- Reports note that Halloween itself has Irish roots in the Celtic Samhain festival, that pumpkins replaced carved turnips after the tradition moved to North America, and that current coverage pairs this cultural background with practical safety and costume advice for families celebrating today.