Ahead of Sham El-Nessim, where is the Zoo?
Elham Aboul Fateh
Happy Sham El Nessim! Since childhood, we've been accustomed to gathering on this day. We begin by coloring eggs and eating feseekh, herring, onions, lettuce, and mallow. This ritual began more than 5,000 years ago in Egypt. It has spread and become known as Easter throughout the world.
But privacy remains in Egypt, and so does beauty.
On this day, families head out to open areas and parks. Many of our people miss the zoo, Orman Gardens, and other large parks where they can spend this day at a low cost, eating feseekh (fish), enjoying nature, trees, and plants, and children playing with animals.
The zoo was established in 1891 and was one of the most beautiful zoos, housing rare species of animals and plants. At that time, it was considered one of the best zoos in the world. However, it was exposed to numerous changes and neglect over the years. The government has also announced that next Eid, the zoo will be back with its various animals and rare trees, on the same space. We look forward to the reopening of this unique global attraction.
Since Pharaonic ages, Sham El-Nessim has been a sacred holiday, symbolizing the beginning of spring and renewal. It is celebrated by going out to enjoy nature, which is what happens today. Egyptian families still spend the day in parks and open spaces, and children enjoy playing. Feseekh and herring are on every table and in every home. Despite doctors' warnings about the dangers of feseekh, we cannot stop eating it, as it has a special taste and flavor that all Egyptians like... and it is the most important Sham El Nessim ritual.
I hope that next year the gardens will be fully developed to receive th Egyptians, and that the zoo will regain its beauty and splendor, and that the rare animals it has lost will return, so that we can celebrate there as we always did, with our families and friends.
Sham El-Nessim is not just a holiday we celebrate; it is a beautiful state of joy and happiness in our hearts, where we forget all the worries and pressures of life.
May God grant us eternal joy.
Happy Spring and a Happy returns.
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