Walking with Queens and Pharaohs: Discovering Egypt in Hampton

The Egyptian Festival in Hampton, Virginia, has been a beloved cultural tradition for nearly two decades. Organized by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, the festival first began in 2007 and is held twice a year, making the 2025 event its 18th edition.

Celebrating the richness of Egyptian heritage and Coptic Orthodox traditions, the festival offers a vibrant array of experiences—authentic cuisine, traditional music, cultural exhibitions, guided tours, theatrical performances, and family-friendly activities. It stands as a dynamic platform for community engagement and cultural education throughout the Hampton Roads area.

What an unexpectedly fun and educational day I had at the Egyptian Festival in Hampton! I joined one of the guided tours, which was brilliantly led by two knowledgeable young adults. One of the highlights was participating in the dramatic “Walk of the Queen,” where I not only walked with Queens and Pharaohs, but also portrayed one of the queen’s close friends. I wore a crown adorned with the cobra symbol known as the uraeus, which traditionally represents divine authority and protection. In that moment, I could have easily been depicting an Egyptian goddess like Wadjet, the revered cobra goddess of ancient Egypt. Listening to the Egyptian language being spoken was truly captivating. What impressed me most was watching the children fully engaged—absorbing history while having fun. It was a wonderful day of culture, learning, and joy. I’m so glad I stopped by!

Walking with Queens and Pharaohs