The governor of Luxor, Mohammed Badr, demanded to amend the date of the celebration of the National Day of Luxor to be on 4 November, which coincides with the anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb instead of 9 December, which marks the anniversary of the declaration of Luxor as a governorate including Esna and Armant.
The anniversary of discovering the tomb and treasures of Golden Pharaoh Tutankhamun, returned to being a national holiday for Luxor due to its historic significance not only to Egypt but also worldwide.
On Saturday, 4 November 1922 the world was on a date with one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. At ten clock on that day, the English explorer, Howard Carter, while carrying out a comprehensive survey at the valley of the kings west of Luxor, found the first threshold stone leading him to the tomb of young king Tutankhamun and its fascinating treasures. He discovered the untouched tomb dating over more than three thousand years. This remarkable discovery offers tremendous insights to Egyptologists into ancient Egyptian society and culture during the Eighteenth Dynasty, which is a period of particular interest in the history of ancient Egypt.
Luxor celebrated this occasion by launching colourful balloons and setting birds fly carrying Egyptian flags, followed by musical and art performances throughout the main streets of Luxor and Abu Elhagag square with the participation of the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Youth and Sports. The celebrations ended with a legendary opera in Deir el-Bahari temple (Hatchepsut) in West Luxor. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Mamdouh Damati, governor of Luxor, Mohammed Badr, Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, head of Cairo Opera House and head of the town of Qurna, Brigadier General Ayman al-Sharif. In addition to, the participation of public figures, including Sheikha Hessa Elsabah the sister of Emir of Kuwait and Egyptian renown movie stars including, Yusra, Yahia ElFakharani, Fathi Abdel Wahab and Safa Jalal and writer Dr. Lamis Jaber. Also, guests included a number of Luxor dignitaries, Tourism and Antiquities executives and a large number of tourists and international and local media.
In his speech, the Minister of Antiquities emphasized the importance of the history of Luxor as the cradle of civilization. The Minister announced the opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb during the festival free of charge and the inauguration of ancient tombs for visitors for the first time on the West Bank.
On his part, the governor of Luxor pointed out that Luxor deserves much better as it is an international city known worldwide, adding that he would exert all efforts for the progress and development of the governorate. Governor Badr announced the establishment of opera Hatshepsut in Luxor soon and a study to build a recreational touristic area.
Dr.Jaber highlighted the historical status of Luxor, greatness of Luxor temples and monuments that tell the history of Egypt, expressing her happiness to participate in Luxor National Day celebrations.
It was announced before the celebrations the launch of the national project to install natural gas to Luxor across the River Nile from west of Luxor, where the project is working on providing natural gas for 17000 housing units during the first annual interim plan for the project.
