Abu Simbel Sun Festival: A Spectacular Ancient Celebration

The land of Egypt is a collage of ancient wonders, and among the most astonishing of them is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival. The temples of Abu Simbel, located along the banks of Lake Nasser, are a testament to the grandeur and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt. What makes this site truly remarkable, however, is the biannual Sun Festival, which connects us with the past and the heavens in a way that is nothing short of magical.

Get to know the Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Where is the temple of Abu Simbel located?

The Temple of Abu Simbel is located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. Abu Simbel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt, and it is specifically situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, which formed after the construction of the High Dam. The temples, dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, are carved into the sandstone cliffs along the banks of the Nile River in the Nubia region.

The Temple of Abu Simbel is located in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan 

What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?

The awe-inspiring temple of Ramses II in southern Egypt is the setting for the biannual Abu Simbel Sun Festival. Occurring on two specific days each year, the sun aligns perfectly with the central chamber, illuminating the inner sanctuary of the typically dark interior for a brief but magical moment. Clever construction within the temple ensures that the sun deity Ra and the supreme god Amun are bathed in light, with the only exception being Ptah, the god of darkness. This remarkable event has unfolded for over 3,200 years, adding to the enduring allure of the temple.

When does the Abu Simbel Sun Festival take place?

Building the magnificent temple at Ramesses, Ramese the Great wanted it to be genuinely unique. Accordingly, he selected two dates that held great significance for him and allowed them to coincide with Abu Simbel's magnificent Sun Festival celebration. Ramesses II's accession to the Egyptian throne on February 22nd is the first date. Second, the king's birthday, which falls on October 22nd.

The festival's reputation stems from the fact that the inner sanctums coincide twice a year during this event, spending the other year in darkness. Despite the High Aswan Dam threatening to destroy this temple, which was moved in 1960 with UNESCO's assistance, they paid millions of dollars to maintain the temple's dimensions and its twice-daily festival, but it is worth much more. 

Dance performance in front of the Great Temple of Ramesses II in Abu Simbel 

How long does the Abu Simbel Sun Festival last?

The festival spans several days and features a range of activities and performances. The pinnacle of the event is the sunrise ceremony, which offers visitors the chance to observe the sun's rays casting a radiant glow upon the visage of Ramses II within the temple.

Things to do when at Abu Simbel Sun Festival event

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival stands as a testament to ancient marvels and celestial alignments. For those seeking an extraordinary cultural and historical journey, here's a guide to the essential things to do during the Abu Simbel Sun Festival.

Experience the sunrise ceremony

The focal point of the Abu Simbel Festival lies in the sunrise ceremony, a captivating event that takes place biannually on February 22nd and October 22nd. This remarkable occurrence coincides with the precise moments when the sun's rays infiltrate the temple's inner sanctum, resulting in a breathtaking illumination of the statues within, notably highlighting the central deity, Ramses II.

Engage in the Abu Simbel sound and light show

As night falls, treat yourself to a fusion of ancient history and contemporary entertainment through the Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show. Abu Simbel offers a nighttime sound and light show lasting approximately 30 minutes, and it is accessible in various languages for a diverse audience. Tickets can be acquired at the temple complex, through tour operators, or select hotels.

Engage in the Abu Simbel sound and light show 

Participate in cultural extravaganzas

Spanning several days, the festival offers a multitude of cultural activities and performances, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the region fully. From traditional music and dance to local crafts and art exhibitions, the event serves as a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity.

Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine

Delight your palate with the exquisite flavors of Egyptian cuisine. Local vendors set up stalls, presenting a tempting array of traditional dishes and street food. Enjoy sampling delicacies like koshari, falafel, and sweet pastries while soaking in the festive atmosphere – a delightful culinary journey through the region's richness.

Facts about Abu Simbel Sun Festival

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival takes place twice a year

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is celebrated twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd, to commemorate Pharaoh Ramses II's birthday and coronation day.

The festival is held at the Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt

The temples of Abu Simbel, located in southern Egypt near the Sudanese border, serve as the setting for this grand celebration.

The festival is held at the Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt 

The temples were relocated to save them from flooding

In an impressive engineering feat, the Abu Simbel Temples were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Traditional Nubian performances are a highlight of the festival

Visitors to the Abu Simbel Sun Festival can enjoy the vibrant and colorful traditional Nubian dances and music performed by local artists.

The main highlight of the festival is the solar alignment

During the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctum of the temple, lighting up the statues of Ramses II, Ptah, and Amun-Ra.

The Festival Commemorates Queen Nefertari's Birthday

The Abu Simbel Festival of Nefertari commemorates the birthday of Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. It pays tribute to her significant influence and enduring legacy in ancient Egyptian history.

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is more than a celestial event; it's a journey through time that connects the modern world with the splendors of ancient Egypt. As the sun gracefully illuminates the temples, casting a golden glow upon the relics of a bygone era, visitors are reminded of the enduring legacy of the pharaohs. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival beckons all to witness the intersection of history, spirituality, and natural wonder, creating an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience its magic.

For those eager to partake in this extraordinary celebration, contact Egypt Immigration Services to apply for an Egypt visa and embark on a cultural journey that transcends time.