Officials, clergy and families gathered recently at the Rod El-Farag Culture Palace in Cairo for a festive Christmas celebration organised by the General Organisation of Culture Palaces and the Cairo branch of the Ministry of Culture. The event aimed to celebrate the season while promoting unity and goodwill across the local community.
Cairo Christmas celebration highlights community unity
The programme opened with the national anthem, followed by a speech from Dr Ibtehal Al-Asaly, director of the Cairo culture branch, delivered on her behalf by Mohamed Abdel Hadi, the branch’s technical office director. Dr Al-Asaly extended warm congratulations to the Coptic community on the occasion of Christmas and described the gathering as an expression of love and peace that affirms the cohesion of Egypt’s national fabric.
Hossam El-Din Fawzy, deputy governor of Cairo for the northern district, attended the event together with Mohamed Naeem, head of the Rod El-Farag district, Father Karras Ibrahim of the Virgin Mary Church in Mostorod, Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdel Rahman for the Shubra and Rod El-Farag constituency, and Mohamed El-Shahat, director of the Rod El-Farag Culture Palace. A number of cultural and executive leaders from the governorate were also present.
In his remarks, Father Karras Ibrahim called on attendees to remember the core values of the season, naming peace, affection and joy among them, and he offered wishes for a happy year ahead. The tone of the event was deliberately communal, with speakers emphasising shared traditions and mutual respect.
The artistic programme showcased a variety of performances. The Rod El-Farag choir for people with special needs, conducted by Maestro Adel Madbouly, performed a selection of traditional and patriotic songs, including well-known pieces that resonated with the audience and celebrated national pride. The choir’s performance drew visible appreciation and applause from the crowd.
Audiences also enjoyed a puppet theatre piece presented by the artist Amr Hamza, and children took part in a hands-on workshop to design New Year art boards alongside a face-painting session. These interactive activities created a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the afternoon, encouraging participation from younger attendees and their parents.
The closing act featured the Choir of the Virgin Mary from the churches of southern Shubra, led by Maestro George Hakim. Their set included a programme of hymns and patriotic songs and concluded with a rendition of the seasonal favourite “Laylat Eid,” which prompted a lively response from those gathered.
Organisers described the celebration as part of the wider cultural calendar overseen by the General Organisation of Culture Palaces under the leadership of Major General Khaled El-Laban, and supported by the Ministry of Culture. Officials said such events are intended to strengthen social bonds and promote cultural exchange among different communities in Cairo.
Attendees and performers spoke of the event as an occasion for reaffirming communal ties and enjoying shared traditions. The combination of music, theatre and participatory workshops reflected the branch’s aim to make cultural activities accessible and inclusive, while the presence of local leaders signalled strong municipal support for the cultural programme.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cairo Christmas celebration at Rod El-Farag Culture Palace brought together civic leaders, clergy and cultural performers to mark the feast.
- Performances included choirs for people with special needs, traditional and national songs, a puppet show and interactive children’s workshops.
- Speakers stressed messages of peace, unity and national cohesion under the General Organisation of Culture Palaces programme.
