Egypt revives cultural heritage with traditional games festival in Giza
Giza, Egypt – Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, inaugurated a vibrant festival celebrating traditional, popular, and environmental games at the renowned Abu Al-Hol Club in Giza.
Organized by the Ministry’s Central Administration for Sports Development in collaboration with the Egyptian Federation for Sports Events, the festival drew wide participation from children, youth, and families from across the region.
The festival forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to revive authentic Egyptian heritage and strengthen cultural identity by reintroducing traditional games that have been passed down through generations. These activities, held in an atmosphere blending fun and learning, are designed to nurture a sense of community and cultural pride among the nation’s youth.
Minister Sobhi emphasized the importance of reviving traditional games as a key step in preserving Egypt’s cultural memory and passing cherished values and customs to future generations. He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting heritage-focused activities in line with the country’s broader efforts to safeguard national traditions and promote Egypt’s ‘soft power.’
Hosting the festival at Abu Al-Hol Club, Dr. Sobhi noted, highlighted the vital role that sports and community clubs play in fostering Egyptian identity among young people. He praised the enthusiastic participation of families and the exemplary organization of the event.
Ahmed El-Shamy, President of the Federation, explained that the event is rooted in a shared vision to bridge sport with Egypt’s rich cultural traditions. "The festival aims to introduce younger generations to the traditional games that formed an essential part of everyday life for many Egyptians, in an interactive and modern format that combines education and entertainment," he stated.
The festival featured live demonstrations of beloved traditional games, artistic performances, and folkloric segments, each representing the rich heritage of various Egyptian provinces.
Through such initiatives, Egypt continues to inspire pride in its history while bringing people of all ages together in celebration of its living heritage.