While the rest of the world celebrated the New Year with copious amounts of fireworks, Egypt chose to welcome 2016 in a different fashion. From church masses, to hiking trips in the wilderness, and Santa-themed marathons; the country was truly a beacon of joy during the year’s very first hours.

A group of young men geared up for the occasion with Santa hats and bikes, deciding to embark on a cycling trip around the capital as they organised a friendly marathon on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, in Qasr Al-Doubbara Church, many gathered for a religious mass and prayer that wished for peace and prosperity. Dozens of families came together in a heart-warming gathering that aimed to reconcile their wishes for the previous year with the next, and link the earthly with the divine.

On the other side of the country, a group of young explorers would not settle for anything less than the top of the mountain. The hikers chose to make the best out of the winter weather by taking their festivities to Saint Catherine Mountain in Sinai and covering the mountain with Santa hats and selfies, in a unique New Year Eve’s celebration.

Photos by Asmaa Gamal and Ahmed Hendawy