CELEBRATING CAIRO AS A GLOBAL CITY:AUC TO HOST SECOND EDITION OF TAHRIR 2025 CULTUREFEST
The American University in Cairo will host the second edition of the AUC Tahrir2025 CultureFest from April 10 to 12, 2025, on the University’s iconic Tahrir Square campus. This year’s festival celebrates Cairo as a global city — a vibrant mix of cultures that bridges Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arab world. A cultural hub of the global South, Cairo connects heritage, people, and history in a dynamic contemporary setting. The festival, which is open to the public, will feature a variety of innovative activities, including book talks, discussions, performances, exhibitions, a bazaar, a children’s corner, and a food fair that captures the city’s multicultural flavor.
Throughout the festival, guests will have the chance to explore a remarkable senior student art exhibition that reimagines Cairo’s urban landscape through diverse media. Meanwhile, music lovers will be captivated by the transformative sounds of a renowned semi-a cappella choir that blends Egyptian and global influences, as well as special musical performances showcasing everything from nostalgic Arabic classics to cross-cultural collaborations celebrating Africa’s rich heritage.
For those seeking adventure, an exhilarating guided kayaking experience along the Nile offers an unmatched opportunity to paddle through history while engaging in a dialogue about sustainability and environmental awareness. This theme extends into an interactive discussion on the power of innovation in combating plastic waste, highlighting how students are transforming recycled materials into impactful solutions.
Art and history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in unique hands-on activities, such as creating personalized prints inspired by Egypt’s rich visual heritage or witnessing the unveiling of the Armenian redesigned historic alphabet that pays tribute to Cairo’s diverse cultural tapestry. For those drawn to movement and mindfulness, the festival offers rejuvenating wellness sessions, including a special Indian yoga experience led by expert instructors.
The festival’s diverse programming also celebrates the universal language of dance, featuring spellbinding performances that take audiences on a journey across the world—from the energetic beats of Bollywood and the intricate elegance of classical Indian dance to the expressive movements of Middle Eastern and global folk traditions. Visitors can even take part in an interactive Indian dance workshop, bringing the joy of rhythm and movement to all levels of experience.
Families and young audiences will delight in a lively theatrical performance that brings the magic of Cairo to life, alongside a playful storytelling session where children can engage their imagination and creativity. The festival also features an intimate discussion on Middle Eastern culinary traditions, offering an exploration of flavors and cultural connections through food.
The rich multiculturalism of Cairo is further celebrated through a powerful historical talk that sheds light on the fascinating contributions of foreign communities to Egyptian society, revealing untold stories of architects, artists, and educators who helped shape the city’s identity. In parallel, a compelling panel discussion will examine Cairo’s architectural landscape, tracing its evolution from colonial influences to contemporary urban transformations.
Audiences will also have the unique chance to step into the artistic traditions of Japan—experiencing the elegance of calligraphy, donning traditional attire, and witnessing breathtaking performances that blend classical and modern expressions of Japanese culture.
As the festival draws to a close, an emotionally stirring choir performance “Salute to Gaza” by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music will take center stage, delivering a moving tribute to resilience and heritage through song.
For more details, please check the festival agenda. Also attached is a video highlighting the festival’s spirit, and an image of the festival’s official logo.
