Luxor celebrates being Capital of Arabic Culture for 2017

CAIRO – 5 April 2017: Luxor celebrated earning the title ‘Capital of Arabic Culture’ for 2017 by throwing a

15-day celebratory festival

around various landmarks in Luxor,

Al-Masry Al-Youm reported

Monday.

A different Middle Eastern city gains the title each year as part of an initiative from the Arab League, in collaboration with UNESCO’s Cultural Capital program. The initiative promotes Arab Culture internationally.

The 15-day festival program includes folklore dances at Karnak Temple and musical performances by both international and Egyptian musicians. Additionally, the festival features educational seminars, book fairs and theatrical plays for children.

The Third International Conference of Fine Arts is also taking part in the festival. A total of about 260 artists are participating in the conference from both Arab and European nations, according to Al-Masy Al-Youm.

The Capital of Arabic Culture initiative was established in 1996, and Cairo was the first city to be awarded the title. Luxor comes after Sfax, a historical city in Tunis which was awarded the title in 2016.