The Dormition of Theotokos – or 'the sleep of the bearer of God,' a reference to the death of the Virgin Mary – is commemorated by Christians around the world on 22 August, or 16 Masarra in the Coptic calendar. In Egypt, the celebration follows a 15-day fast in honour of the Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Dormition is one of the most popular events in the Coptic-Christian calendar, and is the one fast that the majority of Egypt's Copts observe. The tradition is said to have begun with the Virgin herself, who, according to the late Anba Grigorios, spent most of her time in worship, prayer, meditation and fasting. The feast traditionally features both ecclesiastical rituals and popular festivals, with Coptic churches remaining open to congregants all day long, performing mass, choir performances and divine blessings. In Egypt, Muslims as well as Christians often take part in the Mulid Al-Adra 'or Feast of the Virgin', a celebration that features singing, street performances, games and food, especially in areas close to churches and monasteries named after the Virgin. Tents are set up, peddlers hawk their wares and children line up for their turn on the swings; tattoo artists, meanwhile, decorate the bodies of the faithful with religious symbols. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/109050.aspx
