Aswan launches festival celebrating Ramses II solar alignment and October War

Cultural festivities have launched in Aswan, Egypt, combining celebrations of the October War victories with preparations for the solar alignment phenomenon on the statue of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel temple, scheduled for October 22.

Organized by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces and held at the Fawzi Fawzi Theater on the Nile Corniche, the event features various artistic performances. A highlight of the program is the operetta ‘Army of the Sun,’ directed by Hisham Atwa, which commemorates the heroism of the Egyptian Armed Forces during the October War. The performances include participation from folk art troupes from several governorates, including Aswan, Sohag, Port Said, Sharkia, Matrouh, and New Valley.

Local officials, including Aswan Governor Amr Lashin and Deputy Governor Osama Rizk Dawood, noted that the festival enhances the region's cultural and tourism profile. The festivities are set to continue through October 20 across multiple cultural and educational sites in the governorate, including Kom Ombo, Kalabsha, and Aswan University.