Not only Ismailia is celebrating the opening of the New Suez Canal, but also Alexandria is celebrating, too; writes Ameera Fouad
As anticipated, the inauguration of the New Suez Canal has created colourful sceneries witnessed in all Egypt’s 28 cities; from South Egypt in Aswan to North Egypt in Alexandria and from Eastern Egypt in Taba to Western Egypt in Al Saloum.
As the day started to bloom, the teaming summer has not prevented some Alexandrians from going down to streets to commemorate this special day in Egypt’s history. Thus, the Northern Mediterranean port has its own share in this great celebration.
The colorful sceneries of people full of wide smiles on their faces has been seen everywhere; in alleys, streets, cafes, restaurants, even in some companies, and cultural hubs and many more. The scenes of people who are dancing in streets with patriotic songs played have been the most frequent scene that has been repeated in many areas around the city.
“The preparation of such a great celebration has not been done overnight. It has been prepared since several months ago, “Mohamed El Sayed , 32, a street vendor, told MEO.
“Selling Egyptian flags has been my main work, since January 25th Revolution. The opening of the New Suez Canal is a major event in Egypt’s history. I think Egyptians have their own way in celebrating with flags.”
“They dance with the flags. They hang them in their balconies. They hold them up and wave them, full of pride. They dance while holding them. They parade them in cars. I do feel Egyptians do everything with Egypt’s flags”.
In his opinion, Sayed sees that revenues of selling Egyptian flags are quite good, in comparison to any stuff I could sell in streets.
Alexandrians have tailored a special 100 metre Egyptian flag that has been widened spread across the street of Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Another 10 metres-long flag has been placed in the plaza of Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Part of the celebrations that was announced by the Egyptian Railway Authority that trains and most public transportations, on that day, would be all free. Therefore, to Alexandrians trams, public buses, local trains were all free of charge.
The celebrations also witnessed the dangling of gigantic Egyptian flags in many companies’ outside their front buildings. One of which has been hanged in the front building of Abu Qir Petroleum Company (AQP Company).
The festivity scenes continue to grow as the sun has fallen beyond the horizon and the twilight aroused in dazzling festivals that have been spread across the city as Alexandrians, like many Egyptians decided to pour down in streets dancing and singing.
