Virgin Mary Festival - Durunka
2017 & 2023
Annually, during the same time of year in August, thousands of Christians from all across Egypt gather at the Virgin Mary Festival in the Monastery of Virgin Mary in Durunka. This festive occasion celebrates the Feast of the Assumption, honouring the Virgin Mary's ascent into heaven.
Until 2018, the monastery was open to all Egyptians, Muslims, and Christians alike. Many Muslims used to come to celebrate, pray, and light candles. After some deadly attacks on churches and Christians in Egypt, security no longer permits Muslims to enter the site during the event due to security concerns. However, Christians from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia continue to visit the sacred site.
The Virgin Mary Monastery in Durunka, located in the Assiut governorate, was constructed over 1500 years ago. It is believed to be the place where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus spent their last days in Egypt before returning to Palestine more than 2,000 years ago.
Apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the monastery have also been reported in recent times.
Next to the Monastery of Virgin Mary in Durunka, as part of the large celebrations held in the village each year, is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption for the Franciscan priests.
During the Virgin Mary festival, Christians and church members parade daily with a bier, carrying a decorated statue of the Virgin Mary, and gather donations and votive offerings in her honour. A tradition takes place amid the Feast of the Assumption festivities, which commemorates the Virgin Mary's ascension into heaven.
Most Coptic Christians have the cross tattooed on their right hand as a sign of faith, a tradition that has been practiced by the majority of Egyptian Christians. The cross tattoo among Egyptian Christians dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, especially during Roman persecutions, as a public sign of faith.
It became more widespread in the Middle Ages under Islamic rule, serving both as a marker of Christian identity and as an affirmation of belonging.
In 2023, during the festival, visitors queue at the gate, raising their hands and showing the cross as their ID to pass and enter the monastery. Those without the cross tattoo must show their national ID to verify their Christian identity.
