10,000 feast at Cairo’s Matariya mega-iftar on 10th anniversary
Thousands of people this week packed alleyways of a working-class area in the Egyptian capital to celebrate the 10th anniversary of an annual gathering to end the day-long fast at sunset in Ramadan.
Known as the Matariya iftar after its venue in the populous district of the same name, this year’s event saw an estimated 10,000 people showing up from inside the area in eastern Cairo and beyond, according to organisers.
Some 750 tables were arrayed stretching for more than 1,000 metres across seven alleyways against the background of houses bedecked with Ramadan-themed decorations, graffiti and festive balloons and lights. Attendants at this year’s party wore shirts emblazoned with the phrase “the 10th year of neighborliness and companionship”.
Participants also displayed solidarity with the Gaza Strip, the target of a devastating Israeli military campaign for nearly six months.
They chanted in unison, “With soul and blood, we sacrifice ourselves for you, Palestine,” according to social media reports.
Some local houses echoed the chant with graffiti reading, “Gaza is in the heart.”