Egypt's Coptic Christians Celebrate Christmas

Residents of "Garbage City," a largely Coptic neighborhood of eastern Cairo, put up a Christmas tree made of materials including recycled plastic. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Cairo butchers do brisk business the day before Christmas. After Christmas Eve Mass, Coptic Orthodox Christians break a long meatless fast. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Shoppers flock to fruit vendors ahead of Coptic Christmas. Fruit is an essential part of celebrations for both Christians and Muslims in Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Cookies are part of a long Egyptian tradition on feast days. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A father buys shoes for his daughter ahead of Christmas. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Aiming to look their best on a special day, men get haircuts as they prepare to celebrate the feast with their families and friends. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

In Cairo's Garbage City, Coptic children enjoy time off from school during the holiday. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Entire families attend Mass on Christmas Eve, which for Coptic Christians falls on January 6th. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

At Christmas, Coptic men wear special garments known as Tonyas. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

In the Coptic tradition, men and women worship separately. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Coptic men attend a Christmas celebration Mass where the story of Jesus' nativity is re-told. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Egyptian politicians, members of parliament, and government officials attend Christmas Mass where they congratulate leaders of the Coptic community. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Coptic priests sing in praise as they consecrate bread during Christmas Mass. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Some 21st century pastimes clash with ancient traditions as young worshipers play a video game during Christmas Mass. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Toward the end of the Mass, Coptic believers line up to receive communion. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

After Christmas Mass, young Coptic Christians gather with family and friends to relax and have fun. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)