The mawlids of Egypt

A Sufi order marches towards al-Hussien mosque in commemoration of Mawlid al-Hussien, Cairo, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

The Mosque of Sayda Zainab during the Mawlid of Sayeda Zainab in Cairo, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

A worshipper dances and whirls around while listening to religious songs, Mawlid Sayeda Zainab, Cairo, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

Worshippers reach out to touch the shrine of Sayed al-Badawi. Mawlid Sayed al-Badawi, Tanta, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

Worshippers circling the shrine of Sayed al-Badawi. Mawlid Sayed al-Badawi, Tanta, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

Participants of the Mawlid sleep in the mosque while children run and try to dodge the sleeping worshippers. The day following the big night of Mawlid Sayed al-Badawi, Tanta, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

Children celebrate by enjoying carnival rides at Mawlid Abo al-Azem, Sharkia, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

A young girl shops for a piece of costume jewelry at Mawlid Abo al-Azem, Shakria, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

Young ladies stop and pause for the camera. Mawlid Sidi Ibrahim al-Desouki, Kafr al-Sheikh, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

A street vendor enjoys the festivities with her small daughter. Mawlid Sidi Ibrahim al-Desouki, Kafr al-Sheikh, Egypt (MEE/Belel Dardar)

A street vendor shows his wares at Mawlid Sidi Ibrahim al-Desouki, Kafr al-Sheikh, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

A worshipper revels in the spirit of the Mawlid Sidi Ibrahim al-Desouki, Kafr al-Sheikh, Egypt (MEE/Belal Dardar)

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