Halloween’s a perfect excuse to get spooky with some classic Egyptian folklore and iconic characters. Instead of the usual zombies and vampires, why not explore the haunting legends of Egypt? From ghostly figures by the Nile to undead royals and cursed spirits, here’s a massive guide with over 17 costume ideas. Whether you’re looking for a quick DIY or something more elaborate, these costumes are guaranteed to turn heads and add a unique, authentic Egyptian twist to Halloween.

1. El Naddaha (The Siren of the Nile)

Who is She? El Naddaha is a ghostly figure said to haunt the banks of the Nile, calling out to unsuspecting travelers and leading them to their doom. Think of her as the Egyptian version of a siren.

• Essentials: Flowing pale dress, messy dark hair or a long wig, dark circles under the eyes.
• Props: Small mirror or lantern to symbolize her “lure.”
• Pro Tip: Spray water on your dress and hair for that “freshly emerged from the Nile” effect.
• Vibe: Eerie and haunting. Hum softly as you walk to create a chilling presence that’s both beautiful and terrifying.

2. Cursed Mummy

What’s the Story? Legend has it that anyone who dares to disturb a pharaoh’s tomb will be cursed. This costume brings the vengeful spirit of a disturbed pharaoh back to life.

• Essentials: Torn white sheets as bandages, dark eyeliner, and talcum powder for a dusty, ancient look.
• Props: Gold accessories, maybe hieroglyphs drawn on exposed skin.
• Pro Tip: Smudge brown or gray makeup for a “freshly unearthed” look, and add a snake or bug accessory peeking from your bandages for extra creepiness.
• Vibe: Regal yet vengeful. Move slowly and hold your gaze steady like a royal spirit back to haunt the living.

3. The Afrit (Dark Spirit)

Who is the Afrit? In Egyptian folklore, Afrits are powerful, vengeful spirits—think of them as fiery, supernatural beings who can’t be controlled.

• Essentials: Dark, oversized clothing or a long robe, a hood or messy hair, and dark eye makeup.
• Props: A small lantern or chain.
• Pro Tip: Red or black contact lenses will elevate this look. Smudge red or gold face paint to give your skin a cursed, fiery effect.
• Vibe: Menacing and powerful. Walk slowly, keep silent, and hold an intense stare to channel the Afrit’s spooky energy.

4. The Egyptian Boogeyman

Who’s The Egyptian Boogeyman? The Egyptian boogeyman is the stuff of childhood nightmares. Known to “catch” misbehaving children, this character is mysterious and menacing.

• Essentials: Baggy, dark clothing with a hood or scarf partially covering your face.
• Props: Small sack or bag to represent his “catching” bag.
• Pro Tip: Smudge dark eyeshadow around your eyes and mouth for a hollow, shadowed look. Walk slowly and whisper his name softly to freak people out.
• Vibe: Eerie and unsettling. This is all about lurking quietly in the shadows and keeping people on edge.

5. The Haunted Fellaha

Who is the Haunted Fellaha? A spirit of the land, this is the ghostly figure of a rural peasant woman who haunts the fields at night.

• Essentials: Simple patterned galabeya, headscarf, and pale, kohl-lined eyes.
• Props: Old-looking jewelry to complete the rural ghost look.
• Pro Tip: Messy hair, dark under-eye circles, and going barefoot (if safe) will add authenticity to this haunting character.
• Vibe: Quietly haunting. Walk slowly and stare blankly to embody the timeless, ghostly feel of rural Egypt.

6. Djinn

What’s a Djinn? Djinn are supernatural creatures who dwell in the desert, causing mischief or outright terror. Shadow Djinns are among the most feared.

• Essentials: Dark, flowing robes, a hood, intense red or gold makeup to add to the mystery.
• Props: Small bottle or lantern as a nod to their mystical powers.
• Pro Tip: For added effect, wear red or gold eye makeup or face paint to give a slightly “fiery” or otherworldly look.
• Vibe: Mysterious and intimidating. Move with purpose, and keep your face partially hidden for the ultimate creepy vibe.

7. The Butcher’s Spirit

What’s the Story? Inspired by haunted market legends, this vendor is the spirit of a butcher who haunts his market stall. It’s a nod to tales of cursed sellers and haunted souks.

• Essentials: Blood-stained apron, white undershirt, and dark eye makeup to look tired and ghostly.
• Props: Fake cleaver or knife, maybe a small towel with blood stains.
• Pro Tip: Smudge red or brown makeup on your hands to look freshly bloody. Add a few small cuts or scars for a “haunted vendor” vibe.
• Vibe: Tired yet sinister. Practice saying market phrases or greetings, but with a blank, haunted stare for a spooky twist.

8. Zar Spirit

What’s Zar? Zar is an Egyptian ritual to exorcise spirits. Those under possession act frantically to rid themselves of the spirit, making this costume full of energy and mystery.

• Essentials: Loose, layered clothing, a headscarf, kohl-lined eyes with smudged dark makeup.
• Props: Tambourine or small drum.
• Pro Tip: Keep your hair slightly messy and shake the tambourine occasionally for authenticity.
• Vibe: Frantic and possessed. Channel that intense energy, and sway or chant to add to the mysterious ritual.

9. Lady of the Nile (Undead River Spirit)

Who is She? Inspired by the legends of river spirits, this character is said to emerge from the depths of the Nile, luring people with her beauty and then disappearing back into the water.

• Essentials: Long blue or green dress, with pale makeup and blue or green accents on the skin.
• Props: Small fake reeds or water plants as accessories, and spray your hair for a wet look.
• Pro Tip: Use shimmery makeup to give your skin a glistening, water-like effect. Occasionally sprinkle water droplets on yourself to look fresh from the Nile.
• Vibe: Mysterious and ethereal. Move gracefully and slowly, like a haunting water spirit just emerging from the depths.

10. Cursed Treasure Hunter

What’s the Story? This costume represents an explorer cursed for disturbing ancient tombs—a perfect mix of adventure and horror.

• Essentials: Khaki pants, a jacket, scarf around the neck, and some “dusty” makeup.
• Props: Small bag or map, and hieroglyph-like symbols drawn on your skin.
• Pro Tip: Smudge some dark makeup to create a “weathered” look, and carry a map or small artifact.
• Vibe: Adventurous but haunted. Speak in a low, haunted voice as if recounting tales of cursed tombs.

11. Saidi Ghost

Who is the Saidi Ghost? Inspired by the spirits of Upper Egypt, this costume channels the ghostly essence of a Saidi elder.

• Essentials: Dark or earthy-toned galabeya, tarboush, or headscarf, with dark circles under the eyes.
• Props: A cane or stick for the full Saidi look.
• Pro Tip: Add pale makeup for an extra ghostly touch, and shuffle your feet to mimic an elderly gait.
• Vibe: Silent and wise, this costume carries the weight of age and wisdom with a chilling twist.

12. Wahsh El Gabal

Who is Wahsh El Gabal? This mythical creature is said to haunt the mountains, terrorizing anyone who dares to venture too close. Known for his beast-like features, Wahsh El Gabal is a primal, untamed spirit that embodies the wilds of Egypt.

• Essentials: Earthy, rugged clothing, animal-print scarf or faux fur, and wild, unkempt hair.
• Props: Face paint for “claw marks” or rugged, animalistic makeup.
• Pro Tip: Add small sticks or leaves to your clothing or hair to look like you just emerged from the wilderness.
• Vibe: Channel your inner wild beast. Move with purpose and don’t be afraid to growl or snarl a little to complete the untamed mountain vibe.

13. Mamluk Warrior Ghost

Who were the Mamluks? The Mamluks were medieval warriors who fought bravely for Egypt. This costume brings back the spirit of a fallen Mamluk, returning from the battlefield with a ghostly presence.

• Essentials: Galabeya or tunic, belt, and a fake sword or dagger.
• Props: Smudged “battle scars” painted on your face, and a scarf over the head for authenticity.
• Pro Tip: Add dark makeup under the eyes to look tired from battle. Keep your stance strong and your gaze focused to emulate a warrior’s spirit.
• Vibe: Proud and intimidating. Imagine yourself as a warrior spirit returning from the dead, moving with the strength and dignity of a seasoned fighter.

14. The Sheikha (Mystic Fortune Teller)

Who is the Sheikha? Inspired by mystical fortune tellers in Egyptian folklore, the Sheikha is a character who seems to know everyone’s fate—and she’s not afraid to tell you about it.

• Essentials: Layers of colorful, flowing fabric, headscarf, and lots of jewelry.
• Props: Small crystal ball, tarot cards, or a tea cup for “reading fortunes.”
• Pro Tip: Use dark eyeliner and red lipstick to create a striking, mysterious look. You can add a little silver or metallic eyeshadow for a touch of mysticism.
• Vibe: Mysterious and enchanting. Gaze into your “crystal ball” or tea cup, muttering vague predictions to everyone you meet.

15. Horus

Who’s Horus? Horus is the Egyptian god of the sky, often represented by a falcon. This costume represents him as a vengeful, avenging spirit, ready to punish those who disrespect the gods.

• Essentials: Dark, navy or black attire, with golden or feathered shawls or capes.
• Props: Winged eyeliner for that falcon look and a falcon mask or beak for a fierce effect.
• Pro Tip: Draw some Egyptian symbols on your arms or hands in gold, and add a staff or scepter to complete the look.
• Vibe: Proud and intimidating. Stand tall, keep your gaze intense, and speak with authority as if you’re embodying a god’s spirit.

16. Tomb Robber’s Ghost

What’s the Story? Inspired by legends of cursed tomb robbers, this character represents a spirit cursed for disturbing ancient artifacts.

• Essentials: Tattered clothing in earthy tones, and a satchel to hold “stolen” treasures.
• Props: Fake artifacts like a “gold” necklace or a scarab amulet.
• Pro Tip: Smudge dusty makeup on your face and hands for a “freshly cursed” look, and carry a piece of “treasure” that’s visibly marked with hieroglyphics or Egyptian symbols.
• Vibe: Sneaky but haunted. Walk with an air of paranoia, looking over your shoulder like you’re being chased by ancient spirits.

17. Kawkab El Sharq (Umm Kulthum), But Make it Horror

Who’s Umm Kulthum? Known as the “Star of the East,” Umm Kulthum was one of Egypt’s most beloved singers. This costume imagines her as a diva spirit back for one last haunting performance.

• Essentials: Black dress, pearl necklace, iconic dark sunglasses, and a scarf tied around the head.
• Props: Microphone or a songbook.
• Pro Tip: Add pale makeup, dark under-eye circles, and maybe a single fake tear for a “haunted diva” look.
• Vibe: Nostalgic but ghostly. Hold yourself like a true star, swaying slightly as if lost in music.

Each of these costumes is steeped in Egyptian history, folklore, and iconic characters. With just a few simple pieces and some makeup, you can embody the rich, mysterious, and sometimes eerie heritage of Egypt this Halloween. So, step into the shadows, bring out your inner legend, and give your friends a scare they’ll never forget!