CAIRO, Sept 24 (Aswat Masriya) - Egyptians celebrated on Thursday the beginning of Eid al-Adha holidays, marking the end of the pilgrimage season for Muslims. 

Minor clashes occured between security forces and alleged supporters of Islamist groups took place after Eid prayers in Alexandria, where 27 were arrested for launching fireworks after prayers.

Early campaigning for parliamentary elections was also noted across the country, with some candidates exploiting the mass gathering of people for prayers to distribute flyers bearing their information.

In the Upper Egyptian province of Minya, for example, some parliamentary hopefuls distributed meat and school supplies, as the academic year beings right after the Eid break. They also plastered their campaign material in public parks and prayer areas.

Campaigns officially begin on Sept. 28 and end on Oct. 15, two days before voting in the first phase.

Egypt will run parliamentary elections over two phases. The voting will end on November 23.