Theater, music performances and film festivals are all part of Cairo's cultural scene. However, many of these events take place without much advance publicity. The Cairo Opera House hosts frequent classical-music, opera and ballet performances. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for moulids, celebrations of the birthday of a saint, prophet or other holy person in either the Muslim or Christian (Coptic) faiths. They immerse entire neighborhoods in religious rituals, carnivals and parades.

The best local sources for event information are The Cairo Times and Egypt Today, both of which are published in English. The English-language Al-Ahram weekly also has events and concert listings. Alternatively, contact the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. Phone 02-2285-4509 or 02-2284-1970, or visit the Tour Egypt Web site at http://www.touregypt.net.

To call any of the Cairo phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Egypt, you must first dial your country's international access code, then Egypt's country code, 20, followed by Cairo's city code, 2.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

August, 2008

15-29 Aug—Wafaa el-Nil. The annual Fidelity of the Nile Festival stems from ancient pharaonic legend and honors the Nile as a symbol of life. Events include processions, performances and sports. In Giza (a half-hour drive from Tahrir Square). For more information, call the Cairo government offices at 2390-1210.

Throughout August—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

Throughout August—World Tourism and Shopping Festival. Launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture to encourage tourism and commercial activity, this festival includes many trade exhibitions, along with sports events, folkloric performances and fireworks. The opening ceremony is in Cairo. Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center, Nasr Road, Nasr City and other venues. For information, call 2579-6590. Concludes late August

Throughout August—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

September, 2008

1-30 Sep—Ramadan. The holy month during which faithful Muslims fast (no food, drink or cigarettes) from dawn to sunset. As soon as the sun goes down, the iftar (breaking of the fast) takes place, with most people hurrying to satisfy their hunger. Many businesses have shorter daytime hours.

9 Sep—Coptic New Year. Public holiday for Egypt's Copts.

Mid-Late September—Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theater. Performances by innovative theater companies from both Arab and Western countries. Various venues. For information, call 2755-7001 or 2735-4234. http://www.cdf-eg.org.

Throughout September—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Throughout September—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

October, 2008

2 Oct—Eid al-Fitr. This feast marks the end of Ramadan and usually lasts three days.

5-11 Oct—Pharaoh's Rally. Annual off-road car and motorbike race through the desert. http://www.rallyedespharaons.it.

6 Oct-Armed Forces Day. Public holiday commemorating the Egyptian army's crossing into Sinai in 1973. Most businesses are closed.

23 Oct-National Liberation Day. Public holiday.

24 Oct-Suez Victory Day. Public holiday.

Throughout October—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Throughout October—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

November, 2008

17-24 Nov—Dance. The Nile Group is a local group dedicated to presenting oriental dance. The group presents three dance festivals and competitions each year. Competitions are usually held at the Pyramissa Hotel. For information, call 02-01-0508-4466. http://www.nilegroup.net.

18-28 Nov—International Film Festival. This prestigious event draws leading film connoisseurs, auteurs and producers for screenings of more than 150 films from approximately 40 nations. The best film takes the Golden Pyramid award. For more information, call 2392-3962 or 2392-3562. http://www.cairofilmfest.com.

Throughout November—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Throughout November—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

December, 2008

9 Dec—Eid al-Adha. This celebration commemorates Abraham's sacrifice of a sheep in place of his son. Lambs are for sale all over the city. Most businesses and markets are closed.

23 Dec-Victory Day. Public holiday.

29 Dec—Muharram. Islamic New Year. Public holiday.

Mid December—International Nile Surfing Festival. Sponsored by the Egyptian Surfing Federation. For more information, fax 2393-4350.

Mid December—International Nile Regatta Festival. Takes place in both Luxor and Cairo. For information, call the Egyptian Rowing Federation at 20-2393-5498.

Throughout December—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

Throughout December—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Concludes late December

January, 2009

7 Jan-Coptic Christmas. Religious holiday for Egypt's Copts.

Mid-Late January—International Book Fair. Publishers from nearly 90 countries make deals and display their upcoming lists at this annual three-week event. At the Madinat Nasr Exhibition Grounds. For information, call 2579-4069 or 2577-4219.

Throughout January—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

February, 2009

22 Feb-Union Day. Public holiday.

Throughout February—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

March, 2009

9 Mar—Moulid al-Nabi. Religious holiday celebrating the birth of the prophet Muhammad. A parade takes place downtown.

Early-Late March—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Mid March—Flower Show. Spring foliage is heralded at Orman Gardens, Sharia Giza, in Giza.

Throughout March—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

April, 2009

19 Apr—Coptic Easter. Religious holiday for Egypt's Copts. Coptic businesses are closed.

20 Apr—Sham al-Nessim. A celebration of the arrival of spring. Most people go to the countryside or a park for a picnic. Most businesses are closed.

25 Apr-Sinai Liberation Day. Public holiday commemorating the liberation of Sinai after the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Late April—Dance. The Nile Group is a local group dedicated to presenting oriental dance. The group presents three dance festivals and competitions each year. Competitions are usually held at the Pyramissa Hotel. For information, call 02-01-0508-4466. http://www.nilegroup.net.

Throughout April—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

Throughout April—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

May, 2009

1 May-Labor Day. Public holiday.

Throughout May—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Throughout May—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

June, 2009

18 Jun-Evacuation Day. Public holiday that celebrates the departure of the British from the Suez Canal in 1954.

Mid June—Dance. The Nile Group is a local group dedicated to presenting oriental dance. The group presents three dance festivals and competitions each year. Competitions are usually held at the Pyramissa Hotel. For information, call 02-01-0508-4466. http://www.nilegroup.net.

Throughout June—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December

Throughout June—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

July, 2009

1 Jul-Bank Holiday. Public holiday.

23 Jul-Revolution Day. Public holiday.

Throughout July—Sound-and-Light Show. At the pyramids in Giza, "narrated" by the Sphinx. English shows are daily, except Sunday. It's best to confirm dates and times before heading out to Giza. Phone 385-2880. http://www.sound-light.egypt.com.

Throughout July—Dance. Whirling dervishes frequently perform on Wednesday and Sunday at the Mawlawi Complex, Es-Siyufiyah and Manah Al-Waqf streets, near Wekalet al-Ghouri and at Al-Ghuri's Mausoleum. Continues through late December