Program

Don’t miss the opening of Heels Over Head, the senior student exhibition of AUC’s visual arts program. Inspired by personal experiences and Cairo’s urban landscape, our emerging artists challenge perspectives and reimagine realities through diverse media. Come experience this celebration of creativity and storytelling!

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Join A caPop for an unforgettable musical experience at the Tahrir CultureFest! This dynamic Egyptian semi-a cappella choir transforms popular music with captivating performances inspired by a blend of cultural traditions. Filled with rhythm, soul and contagious energy, their shows will leave you energized and amazed. Founded by Egyptian singer and AUC alumna Nesma Mahgoub ’13 — who has performed in productions such as Al Kenz, Layali Eugenie, and participated in national events like The Pharaoh’s Golden Parade — A caPop began as the first course at AUC to explore music beyond the Classical and Arabic traditions. Under her direction, the group quickly grew from a small class into one of the university’s most popular choirs, performing unique vocal arrangements of pop songs with a live band both on and off campus.

_{* Access to the performances is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Don’t miss Marwan Pablo’s live performance! Enjoy a night of contemporary Egyptian rap music. Secure your tickets now.

Take part in this engaging discussion on the urgent need to protect water bodies from plastic waste and how education, technology and entrepreneurship can drive change, following the Nile kayaking tour. Hosted by AUC Urban Studies Lab, this session features Enactus AUC, a student-led organization pioneering sustainable solutions. Learn how AUC students are transforming recycled plastic waste into 3D printing filaments for prosthetics, showcasing how innovation can create social impact. This conversation will explore global environmental challenges, local sustainability efforts and the role of young change makers in rethinking waste as a resource. Be part of the dialogue and discover how collective action can lead to real solutions.

_{* Access to talks and panels is on a first-come, first-served basis and room capacity. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Step into the historic Armenian Room to see the newly redesigned 38 Armenian alphabet letters. The room also showcases the first recorded Armenian proverb as a tribute to Armenian heritage and Cairo's community. As part of the experience, Mohamed Mandour’s documentary The Mashtots Alphabet will be screened throughout the weekend in the Armenian Room. It explores the 4th-century creation of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots, its role in preserving Armenian identity, its links to ancient languages, and its use as a numerical system — taking viewers through iconic landmarks where the script has stood the test of time.

The documentary will be presented in Arabic with English subtitles.

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_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

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Experience tranquility and wellness of Yoga, with a special session led by a professional instructor from the Indian Embassy. Embrace the timeless practice of Yoga to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing. Open to all levels, this class offers a peaceful escape and a deeper connection to India’s holistic traditions. Join us for a revitalizing experience!

_{* Access to the performances is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Join us on a walking tour through downtown Cairo, a cosmopolitan district shaped by diverse communities — French, Italian, Armenian, Greek, Sudanese, Swiss and more. Through the food they eat, the way they cook and their daily lives, we get to know these communities and how they’ve shaped Cairo. On this journey, participants won’t just hear the stories — they will taste them! Guests will get to try eight different international cuisines, each with its own history and connection to the city. Every dish will give a deeper insight into the flavors, traditions and influences that have shaped Cairo into the vibrant, multicultural hub it is today.

Explore the visual history of Cairo and Egypt through creative expression — bring your own T-shirt and create personalized designs inspired by Egypt’s iconic symbols, blending history and modern culture. At the end, take home your unique creation as a souvenir. A small sales platform will also feature creative screen prints for purchase. Don’t miss this chance to connect creatively with Egypt’s rich heritage!

This workshop is also available on Saturday, April 12 from 1 - 5 pm.
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_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

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See the Cairo American College Varsity Dance Team as they take you on a vibrant journey across the globe with Saudade and Passport to the World, two performances showcasing cultural diversity through dance. From Bollywood’s colorful energy and hip-hop’s bold moves to Latin rhythms, K-pop precision and the grace of Egyptian dance, each style flows seamlessly into the next. Led by Coach Paula Juliana Cornejo, this talented group of students and teachers fosters creativity, teamwork and connection with the Cairo community, promoting cultural awareness through shared artistic expression.

_{* Access to the performances is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Join us for a celebration of Indian culture during the AUC Tahrir CultureFest! In collaboration with the Embassy of India and Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, this event will showcase mesmerizing classical Indian dance Kathak and vibrant Bollywood dance bringing the rich cultural heritage of India to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty, grace and energy of India’s dance traditions.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Step into the world of Sitara Theatre for a fun-filled performance, now featuring live music for the first time, bringing Cairo’s magic to life! Follow Osman, a friendly kiosk owner who’s ready to leave the city — until his customers remind him of its hidden treasures. With lively African dance, Mediterranean flavors and exciting stories from Cairo’s past, this joyful show is perfect for kids and families. The Best of Both Worlds is a heartwarming adventure that celebrates the city’s spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.

_{* Access to the performances is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Join us for a vibrant Indian Dance Workshop at AUC Tahrir CultureFest, presented in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture. Immerse yourself in the rich rhythms and expressive movements of India’s diverse dance traditions, guided by expert instructors. Whether you're a beginner or a dance enthusiast, this interactive session promises energy, culture and fun!

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

While Cairo is the birthplace of many innovative startups, it also is a springboard for business across the continent and beyond. In this panel discussion, Egyptian entrepreneurs and investors will talk about designing technology that could transcend borders, building a brand across cultures, exporting products and international investment. Panelists will talk about their experience starting out in new markets and expanding their businesses, explore how investors view international growth and how Egypt can serve as a great foundation for startups intending to go global.

_{* Access to talks and panels is on a first-come, first-served basis and room capacity. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Experience a unique cross-cultural collaboration as two singer-songwriters from North and Eastern Africa, Nadya Shanab (Egypt) and Fadhilee Itulya (Kenya), come together for an unforgettable performance featuring the dynamic percussion of Bouda Yazeed. Blending Afro-Egyptian influences with rich global sounds, their music bridges cultures through melody and rhythm, celebrating Africa's diverse musical heritage.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Step into the historic Armenian Room to see the newly redesigned 38 Armenian alphabet letters. The room also showcases the first recorded Armenian proverb as a tribute to Armenian heritage and Cairo's community. As part of the experience, Mohamed Mandour’s documentary The Mashtots Alphabet will be screened throughout the weekend in the Armenian Room. It explores the 4th-century creation of the Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots, its role in preserving Armenian identity, its links to ancient languages, and its use as a numerical system — taking viewers through iconic landmarks where the script has stood the test of time.

The documentary will be presented in Arabic with English subtitles

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_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

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Join author Yasmine Elgharably, along with photographer Yehia El-Alaily, for a captivating discussion on her book Bilhana: Wholefood recipes from Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. Discover their contemporary take on traditional Middle Eastern dishes, healthy cooking techniques and regional flavors. Hear the stories behind recipes like Shakshuka, Moroccan Lamb Stew and Roasted Eggplant with Tahini — followed by a live cooking session that brings many of these flavors to life!

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Join us on a walking tour journey through downtown Cairo, a cosmopolitan district shaped by diverse communities — French, Italian, Armenian, Greek, Sudanese, Swiss and more. Through the food they eat, the way they cook and their daily lives, we get to know these communities and how they’ve shaped Cairo. As they moved and settled in the city, their traditions and dishes evolved, reflecting how they interacted with Cairo. Our tour concludes with the Koshari meal — a dish that blends many different ingredients into one, just like the city itself.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access.}

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Explore the visual history of Cairo and Egypt through creative expression — bring your own T-shirt and create personalized designs inspired by Egypt’s iconic symbols, blending history and modern culture. At the end, take home your unique creation as a souvenir. A small sales platform will also feature creative screen prints for purchase. Don’t miss this chance to connect creatively with Egypt’s rich heritage!

This workshop is also available on Friday, April 11 from 1 - 5 pm.

Be part of a unique musical performance featuring students from the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) and the Arabic Language Intensive Program (ALIN) at AUC. Guided by Opera House Musician Mohei Salah, they will bring classic Arabic songs to life, celebrating the beauty of Egyptian music and culture. Feel the nostalgia as they perform Al-Qahira w Nilha, El-Helwa Di and Touba in a showcase of talent and passion.

^{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

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Join Mahmoud El-Tamimi, founder of the Cairo My Address project, for a captivating historical show exploring the profound influence of foreigners on Egyptian society. Through his renowned Arwah fel Madina series (Spirits in the City), El-Tamimi sheds light on the cultural exchange between Egypt and foreign communities from the French invasion to the 1926 Egyptian Nationality Law. 

Discover the stories of pivotal figures like Boghos Nubar, Baron Empain’s partner in building New Cairo, and Ernesto Ferrucci, the architect behind the Alawite palaces. Explore the contributions of educators like Signor Nallino and Miss Couvreur, alongside the untold stories of lesser-known adventurers. Meet the scientists, artists and journalists who left their mark on Egypt’s history, from Dr. Keating, who paved the way for Egypt’s first medical dean, to Scott Watson, who mentored aspiring journalists at AUC.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking talk, uncovering Egypt’s rich cosmopolitan past.

_{* Access to talks and panels is on a first-come, first-served basis and room capacity. Registration is required for general campus access.}

See AUC students bring the spirit of Arab and Middle Eastern dance to life! You will get to experience the lively steps of Egyptian folk dance among other regional dances. This show is a celebration of rich Middle Eastern culture through artistic expression. Prepare to be amazed by the diverse talents on display.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Experience the elegance and energy of Japanese dance at Tahrir CultureFest! This performance brings the traditions of Japan to the heart of Cairo, blending classical grace with contemporary expression. From the fluid movements of nihon buyō to the dynamic Japanese beats, the show celebrates Japan’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the global spirit of dance.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Discover the elegance of Shodō, the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy. Watch skilled calligraphers bring characters to life with flowing brushstrokes, and take home a unique souvenir — your name beautifully written in Japanese letters!

Immerse yourself in the culture of Japan by trying on a Yukata, a traditional summer kimono. Capture the moment in a stunning photo that blends Japanese heritage with the vibrant backdrop of Tahrir CultureFest.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

Join Yasmine Motawy for a discussion on her book Children’s Picture Books and Contemporary Egyptian Society, exploring how children’s literature reflects two decades of Egyptian neoliberalism. Through an analysis of picture books published post-2000, Motawy examines how these stories both reinforce and challenge societal norms. Discover how shifts in education, migration and cultural initiatives shaped these books, offering insights into evolving childhood agency, gender roles and environmental awareness in contemporary Egypt.

_{* Access to talks and panels is on a first-come, first-served basis and room capacity. Registration is required for general campus access.}

This panel explores the manifestations of the colonial, postcolonial and neoliberal eras in re-making the urban fabric and architectural styles of Cairo. Since the nineteenth century, Cairo has been an international laboratory. From urban planning to architecture, the city has been shaped by unregulated attempts at embracing cosmopolitanism. At the level of urban planning, the city has undergone a process of exchange for ideas through imported and exported urbanism leading to a phase of transfiguration. Cairo’s architecture reflects the many renowned international architects who called the city home, as well as an entire generation of Egyptian architects who were students of urban moments returning to Egypt to teach at the architectural departments and urban planning schools of Cairo’s universities. They carved out their legacy, contributing to a rich tapestry of un-making and remaking of Cairo.

_{* Access to talks and panels is on a first-come, first-served basis and room capacity. Registration is required for general campus access.}

Experience the resilient voices of the Salute to Gaza Choir, a moving musical initiative by the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. This inspiring choir brings together 31 displaced Palestinian children from Gaza, using music as a source of healing, strength and expression. The choir will perform a selection of Palestinian and Arab heritage songs, celebrating culture and resilience —a testament to the enduring spirit of Palestine.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access. Some events require additional signups or ticket purchase.}

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Experience an exciting international costume parade of global heritage brought to you by AUC students. The vibrant lineup celebrates multicultural traditional attire from around the world. Enjoy the international styles and global expression as they walk the line!

Join Cairo Steps for a captivating performance, where traditional Egyptian rhythms blend with modern jazz, classical music and contemporary sounds. Known for their award-winning album Flying Carpet and international performances, the ensemble’s fusion of East and West creates a powerful musical experience. Celebrate cultural harmony through vibrant melodies, meditative soundscapes and rhythmic improvisation that transcend borders and unite traditions.

_{* Registration is required for general campus access.}