The Fourth Annual Characters of Egypt Festival:

Aswan, Egypt, September 21, 2011 -- The Characters of Egypt Festival is a 3-day encounter of diverse cultures organized by Wafaa el Nil NGO in collaboration with the Egyptian Tourism Authority. It is an annual event that brings together representatives from 33 different ethnic groups residing in Egypt.

From 2008 to 2010, the event was hosted by Fustat Wadi el Gemal, 50 kms south of the Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam. This year, in 2011, the festival will take place from October 27 – 29 and will be relocated from the desert environment of Wadi el Gemal to the Island of Heisa in Aswan on the River Nile [located between the Aswan Low Dam (Khazzan Aswan) and the High Dam]. This new location offers an opportunity for the participants to experience different landscapes and cultures in their places of origin.

An estimated number of 3,000 guests are expected to participate in this year’s event. These are composed of 350 tribal individuals, 100 volunteers, 100 journalists, media personnel and press, politicians, ambassadors, business people, academics, artists, visitors from Cairo and Alexandria in addition to tourists visiting Egypt during that time.

Vision

The festival envisions creating a platform through which a variety of isolated ethnic groups can converge in a festive communal atmosphere. The event offers a rare opportunity to link cultures and inculcate values of mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and equality.

Objective

The objective of the event is to create awareness of cultural diversity amongst different ethnic groups. This diversity is recognized and celebrated through indigenous practices, beliefs, cuisines, clothing, music, art, literary traditions, sports and dialogue. Some of these attributes are showcased through workshops and exhibitions together with arts and sports competitions. The idea is for foreign tourists and other local spectators to take part in these events in a spirit of respect and mutual understanding.

In the long-term, the festival aims to tackle socio-economic and environmental issues. The initiative works towards improving life conditions of the island’s approx. 1500 inhabitants and takes proactive steps towards creating awareness of and mitigating the environmental challenges facing the River Nile.

The Characters of Egypt Festival 2011

From October 27-29, 2011, visitors from around the world will attend the groundbreaking Characters of Egypt festival. Visitors will be able to select from four accommodation options: camping in tents on Heisa Island, renting a typical Nubian house, lodging with a Nubian family in homestay accommodation, or checking into one of Aswan’s many hotels.

The catering during the festival will be provided by Divine Works: art of food and beverage serving typical Egyptian dishes. In addition, a number of local chefs from the various ethnic groups will provide home-cooked traditional cuisine under the supervision of the caterers.

Besides the music, dance and sports festivities, a number of informative workshops will take place during the event. Examples include discussions on customary law, alternative medicine, sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. In addition, a wide array of exhibitions will take place such as photography and handcraft displays. Azza Fahmy, the leading Egyptian jewelry designer, will once again exhibit her private collection of ethnic Egyptian jewelry as she has done at the past three Characters of Egypt festivals.

Festival Description: The Characters of Egypt festival is a private initiative cooperating with civil society institutions to fulfill social responsibility obligations. The role of NGOs such as Wafaa el Nil is enhanced through joining hands with government and the private sector in an effort to implement long-term environmental, socio-economic and sustainable tourism-led development initiatives.

Quote Mr. Walid Ramadan: “With the cultural diversity existing in Egypt and the similarities and contrasts that characterize the many ethnic groups, the Characters of Egypt festival is a unique platform to melt barriers between different cultural understandings. We are all united in our differences.”

For additional information, please contact Walid Ramadan, Founder and Chairman:
5 Abbas Helmy Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, EGYPT
Cell:             +2012 100 1109      
Email: charactersofegypt@gmail.com
Website: www.charactersofegypt.com