Egypt’s largest iftar gathering drew around 50,000 people to El Matareya in central Cairo on Saturday, uniting the community with a festive atmosphere and free meals during Ramadan.
The Matareya Iftar, held on the 15th day of Ramadan every year, is a tradition organized by local families.
The event, which started as a small gathering of neighbors in a narrow alley 11 years ago, has now evolved into a massive annual celebration, boasting the longest iftar table in Egypt. Its growing reputation also attracts more people to take part.
"We've been working on it for the last ten days, bringing huge amounts of food, working on the storage and then the cooking today. We didn't expect so many people to show up. Last year, we prepared 15,000 meals, today we have about 50,000," said Omar Noor, a chef of the event.
"When we first started, there were only four or five meals and today we have prepared 50,000 meals. It's incredible. The people living here cover all the costs. We have a fund where the neighbors chip in throughout the year. We don't accept any financial assistance but there's logistical support from authorities," said Hamdy Abdel Salam, an organizer of the event.
As the sun set, thousands sat side by side, sharing a meal at a table so long that its end was barely visible. The street art on display, the music and the decorations on the houses all added to the unique charm of the event.
"I came very early. It's a lot of fun, people are happy, they help each other out and you make new friends. You see the same gatherings around Egypt but here it's on a much bigger scale. It's lovely," said Ahmed, a Cairo resident.
The event, which has gained international recognition, also had celebrities and diplomats in attendance this year.
"The vibe here is amazing. It is a message of love from the neighbors, who are working so hard to make sure all guests feel welcome and happy," said Khaldoon Al Ghanem, a youtuber from Sweden.
"It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it and it's so incredible to see the whole community making it, not just being part of it, but they're all contributing to it," said Catherine Carr, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Cairo.
Around 50,000 people gather in Cairo for Egypt's largest Iftar celebration
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
