The first day ofFlooding of the Nile, orWafaa El-Nil(EgyptandCoptic Church)
Wafaa El-Nil, the first day of the Nile’s annual flooding, marks the start of the agricultural inundation season. It is celebrated by the Coptic Church and communities along the Nile. The festival honors the life-giving waters that sustain Egypt.
Wafaa El-Nil, observed on August 15, marks the traditional first day of the Nile River’s annual flood, a critical event for Egypt’s agriculture and cultural heritage. Ancient Egyptians depended on the inundation to deposit fertile silt along the banks, and modern communities continue to honor this life-sustaining tradition. The Coptic Orthodox Church commemorates the flood with special liturgies, prayers, and blessings for a bountiful harvest. Villagers and towns along the Nile hold processions, float decorative boats on the river, and perform folk dances to celebrate the ancient connection between the river and daily life. Scholars and local historians give talks on the historical importance of the Nilometer, an ancient measuring device used to forecast flood levels. Though modern irrigation systems have reduced reliance on natural flooding, Wafaa El-Nil remains a symbol of renewal and gratitude. The festival offers tourists an insight into Egypt’s enduring relationship with the Nile and provides a colorful glimpse of local customs. By blending religious observance with environmental appreciation, the day highlights the river’s role in sustaining Egyptian civilization throughout millennia.
Flooding of the Nile
Egypt
Coptic Church
Feast day of theAssumption of Mary, one of theCatholicholy days of obligation(a public holiday inAustria,Belgium,Benin,Bosnia,Burundi,Cameroon,Chile,Colombia,Croatia,Cyprus,France, some states inGermany,Greece,Guatemala,Italy,Ivory Coast,Lebanon,Liechtenstein,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Madagascar,Malta,Mauritius,Paraguay,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Senegal,Seychelles,Slovenia,Spain,Switzerland,Togo, andVanuatu); and its related observances:
Feast of theDormition of the Theotokos(Eastern Orthodox,Oriental OrthodoxandEastern Catholic Churches), Ferragosto(Italy), Lady's Day(Ireland), Māras(Latvia), Mother's Day(AntwerpandCosta Rica), National Acadian Day(Acadians), Navy Day(Romania), Virgin of Candelaria, patron of theCanary Islands. (Tenerife,Spain)
The Assumption of Mary celebrates the Virgin's ascent into heaven, observed by Catholics worldwide with solemn masses and processions.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 is one of the most important holy days of obligation in the Catholic Church.
It commemorates the belief that Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.
In many countries, this day is a public holiday and is celebrated with vibrant processions, church services, and community festivals.
Italy observes Ferragosto, a secular holiday introduced by Emperor Augustus, coinciding with Assumption and marked by parades and seafood feasts.
Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos with liturgies focused on Mary's peaceful death and resurrection.
Other observances include Lady's Day in Ireland, Latvia's Māras, Mother's Day in Costa Rica and Antwerp, Romania's Navy Day, and Tenerife's Virgin of Candelaria festival.
Assumption of Mary
Catholic
holy days of obligation
Austria
Belgium
Benin
Bosnia
Burundi
Cameroon
Chile
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
France
Germany
Greece
Guatemala
Italy
Ivory Coast
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malta
Mauritius
Paraguay
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Senegal
Seychelles
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Togo
Vanuatu
Dormition of the Theotokos
Eastern Orthodox
Oriental Orthodox
Eastern Catholic Churches
Ferragosto
Italy
Lady's Day
Ireland
Māras
Latvia
Mother's Day
Antwerp
Costa Rica
National Acadian Day
Acadians
Navy Day
Romania
Virgin of Candelaria
Canary Islands
Tenerife
Spain
Mother's Day(AntwerpandCosta Rica)
Mother's Day in Antwerp and Costa Rica is celebrated on August 15 to honor mothers with flowers, gifts, and family gatherings.
In Antwerp, Mother's Day has been observed since the early 20th century, often coinciding with the Assumption celebrations at local churches. Children present their mothers with flowers, especially carnations and lilies, and help prepare special family meals. In Costa Rica, Mother's Day is a national holiday declared in 1965, featuring parades, concerts, and special programs recognizing maternal contributions to society. The country's vibrant celebrations include school performances and awards for exemplary mothers in communities. Both regions use the occasion to emphasize family unity, gratitude, and the essential role of mothers in cultural traditions. Festivities often blend religious observance with secular appreciation of maternal love and sacrifice.
Mother's Day
Antwerp
Costa Rica