What first springs to mind when hearing the word “carols” is, naturally, Christmas: snow, angels, shining stars, groups of singers and family gatherings. Broadly defined, carols express religious hope and joy. It is thought that the word “carol” or “carole” is a medieval word of French origin, meaning a circle dance accompanied by singing. Caroling at Christmas is one of the oldest folk customs today. St. Francis of Assisi was the first to introduce, in the 12th century, the singing of carols at church ceremonies. Since that time, carol services and concerts are held in countries all over the world. One of the most popular types of service is “Carols by Candlelight," where the church is lit only by candle light while the congregation sings, sometimes also holding candles. Christmas carols usually have simple and straightforward rhythms, are often sung or accompanied by a choir, and many traditionally have one or more counter melodies. If you want to enjoy the Christmas spirit you can gather to carol at: 1) Heliopolis Community Church Date: Thursday 24 December Time: 8 PM 2) Maadi Community Church “Carols by Candlelight” Date: Thursday 24 December Time: 7 PM and 9 PM 3) St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church - Maadi Date: Sunday 26 December Time: 7:30 PM 4) Sawi Cultural Wheel - River Hall Christmas Concert “Message and Little Princess” Date: Friday 25 December Time: 8 PM 5) Sawi Cultural Wheel - Wisdom Hall Christmas Concert “Osiris” Date: Monday 28 December Time: 8 PM 6) El Ghoury Dome Coptic Carols Band Date: Monday 21 December Time: 7 PM 7) Cairo Opera House - Gomhurriya Theatre Christmas concert- 'Saint Augustine and the Hymned Heart' Date: Sunday 20 December Time: 8 - 10 PM 8) Cairo Opera House - Gomhurriya Theatre Christmas Concert – el-Resala Troupe Date: Wednesday 23 December Time: 8 – 10 PM 9) Cairo Opera House - Gomhurriya Theatre Christmas Concert - Om el-Nour Choir Date: Friday 25 December until Sunday 27 December Time: 8 – 10 PM 10) Cairo Opera House – Small Hall Christmas Concert – Neveen Allouba Date: Thursday 24 December Time: 8 – 10 PM 11) Cairo Opera House – Small Hall Christmas Concert – Hassan Sharara Date: Friday 25 December Time: 8 – 10 PM 12) Cairo Opera House – Small Hall Christmas Concert – Talents Development Centre Date: Saturday 26 December Time: 8 – 10 PM
