Cairo, Egypt — Events
Summer Mouleds
The most prominent religious festivals which tourists experience in Egypt are the ‘mouleds’, which are incredibly lively processions that take to the streets of Cairo on various saints’ birthdays. The mouleds generally take place in summer, and blend religion with folklore, usually taking the form of wild dancing accompanied by music, chanting and fireworks. For more information phone +20 (0)2 285 4509.
Pharaohs Rally
The thrilling three-week-long endurance race across the Sahara Desert attracts competitors from all four corners of the globe. The Pharaohs Rally is a 1864-mile (3000km) circuit beginning under the Sphinx in Giza, crossing the finish line in Cairo. Prices range from EUR3700 to participate and it is free to watch.
Aida at Giza
The Cairo Opera House produces annual performances of Verdi’s opera in front of the dramatic Pyramids of Giza. The famous tale of Aida remains one of Guiseppe Verdi’s best-loved operas, a tragic tale of love featuring an Egyptian captain, Pharoah’s daughter and an Ethiopian slave girl, Aida. Contact the Central Reservation Office on (0)2 736 7314.
Cairo International Film Festival
With a cinematic tradition dating back as far as the 1930, Cairo is known as the ‘Hollywood of the Middle East’. The Cairo International Film Festival began in 1976 and the 2008 edition will be screening films tackling issues on human rights and human dignity, with the festival commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
