Moulid of Abu al-Haggag in Luxor
Luxor, Abu al-Haggag Mosque (Luxor Temple)
A popular festival honouring Luxor's patron saint, around his mosque built inside Luxor Temple, in Sha'ban; in 2027, around 15-23 January.
Dates
- 15 January 2027 – 23 January 2027 — 7 to 15 Sha'ban 1448, if Ramadan starts on 8 February 2027; official celebration around 21 January (13 Sha'ban) (estimated date)
Source: Al Bawaba News, préparatifs du moulid d'Abou el-Haggag 2026 (en arabe) — accessed 14 October 2026
Key facts
The moulid (festival honouring a saint) of Abu al-Haggag celebrates Luxor's patron saint, whose mosque stands on the remains of Luxor Temple. For several days, residents attend dhikr circles (repeated chants of praise) and Quran recitations; a procession pulls a boat-shaped float through the streets, followed by carts of craftsmen performing comic sketches, and horse races are held. The boats symbolise Abu al-Haggag's journey to Egypt.
In 2026, celebrations began on 7 Sha'ban, with an official celebration on 13 Sha'ban, i.e. 1 February 2026; the final night is the night of mid-Sha'ban. In 2027, if Ramadan starts on 8 February as astronomical calculations predict, 7 Sha'ban falls around 15 January, 13 Sha'ban around 21 January and the night of mid-Sha'ban around 22-23 January.
Good to know
- Local festival: this is a residents' festival with no tickets; exact dates and the procession route are set locally, shortly before.
- Crowds: the square in front of Luxor Temple is very busy on festival evenings; keep your belongings close.
- Season: late January is the cool season in Luxor, good for sightseeing; the Egyptian Marathon takes place on 8 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Moulid of Abu al-Haggag in 2027?
Around 15-23 January 2027, from 7 to 15 Sha'ban 1448, with an official celebration around 21 January. The dates depend on the lunar calendar.
Where does the festival take place?
Around the Abu al-Haggag Mosque, built inside Luxor Temple, and in the city's streets for the procession.
What do the procession boats represent?
They symbolise Abu al-Haggag's journey to Egypt; they are traditionally carried by his descendants.