A Facebook page is calling on Egyptians to celebrate “National Kissing Day” on 30 August.

Over 4,000 Facebook users have said they will attend the event, which was launched on Saturday. The page did not specify how it wants Egyptians to celebrate the day.

"Love on the streets is more honest than sneaking into the houses of prostitutes," wrote the organisers. 

There was a mixed response by Facebook users to the call for public affection.

"Damn you Morsi, the country has gone nuts," wrote one in reference to the recently removed Islamist president.

"If a girl and a guy kiss each other on the streets, all hell will break loose, but if a guy hits a girl on the streets people will say it’s none of our business,” read another post on the page.

Displays of public affection between couples in Egypt are considered taboo.

Article 278 of the Egyptian penal code criminalises "scandalous acts" in public spaces. If found guilty, defendants could face up to a year in prison or pay a fine of maximum LE 300.

In May, around 200 people gathered for a kissing protest in Ankara in Turkey after officials admonished a young couple for kissing in the street. The protest was attacked by around 20 Islamists, and one of the protesters was stabbed.