Egypt's International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts lights up Cairo
CULTURE
By Han Jie

2017-04-28 10:40 GMT+8

7550km to Beijing

By CGTN's Fridah Mlemwa
Hundreds of years ago al Moez Street would welcome visitors from around the world who came to visit Cairo. Now the same street is still welcoming back visitors but this time they're from 23 countries and have come together for the wonders of music, instruments and specifically, drums.
The streets of old Cairo have come back to life, with thousands of people coming to watch and listen to musical performances.
Drums have shaken the walls of the old city, mixing the Islamic art of the old city with different forms of music.
“I like festivals. I want my daughter to enjoy it because she's Egyptian and I want her to love her country more. Starting from three years old, we've visited the pyramids, the museums and I'm trying to put such things inside her heart,” said Rasha Hussein, a Cairo resident.
VCG Photo
Rasha's plan worked. It was her daughter's first time to see the artistic side of Cairo, and the youngster ended up expressing her love for the performances.
The festival is quite unique, as it's mainly held on open-air stages across the Egyptian capital.
The Al Moez parade, however, has a stronger impact on the audience.
“I liked it very much, because it's a big joy to see many countries together. In the street it is very beautiful,” Antonio Ferritti said, a tourist from Italy.
The parade ends at Beit el Shaer Theater, where performers get to present their art and performances once again.
More than 30 artistic groups from 23 countries have joined the festival this year. As the festivities come to an end, many look forward to greater participation next year.
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