3alganoob Music Festival

This three-day feast at Tondoba Bay is Egypt’s only modern music festival that features the country’s most interesting independent bands in every genre from electronica to alternative rock. Camping areas are set up for festival-goers, and activities such as yoga, film screenings, diving and even a beach clean-up are organised. From a single band and an audience of 40 in 2004, the festival has now attracted a devoted following.

Siyaha Festival

For three days around October’s full moon, Gebel Dakrur is the scene of the Siyaha festival. Thousands of Siwans gather to celebrate the date harvest, renewing friendships and settling any quarrels that broke out over the previous year. The festival is intertwined with Sufism, and each evening, hundreds of men form a circle and join together in a zikr. Siwan women do not attend the festivities, although girls up to about the age of 12 are present until sunset.

Alexandria International Film Festival

The Alexandria International Film Festival takes place every November and is a key event in Egypt’s cinematic calendar. Independent filmmakers from across the world showcase their work here. The main venue is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, but screenings and Q&As with directors also take place at several other cinemas and historic buildings around town.