Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, a lunar calendar marked by the new moon, so it always falls on the same day of the Islamic Calendar, but varies from year to year on the Gregorian Calendar, a solar calendar. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, where Muslims become more committed to their religion and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and immoral behaviors from sunrise to sunset every day, while visiting their mosque more regularly and reading as much of the Quran (the Islamic sacred book) as possible. nDuring Ramadan, the general pace of life in Egypt slows down compared to that in normal days. Shops, museums, and historical attractions officially close earlier before sunset. Almost all Muslims try to get home or to a restaurant in time for the “Iftar” (meal to break the fast at sunset) with family and friends. nSome restaurants and cafés open only after sunset and most stop serving alcoholic beverages. All hotels will be completely operational, including their restaurants and bars serving meals and alcoholic drinks as usual, because many tourists love to explore this amazing country during this special month. nVisiting Egypt during Ramadan is truly a fantastic way to discover an important part of the Egyptian culture and enjoy the special festive atmosphere pervading throughout the country, with people enjoying live music, traditional dancing and oriental lanterns all night until just before sunrise when they have the second big meal called “Sohour”, which will help them fast the next day. The culture, the prayer and the sharing of food, everything here makes it a very rewarding experience.n