Russian child making Ramadan lantern in a workshop in Cairo.
The Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association organized the event in cooperation with the Russian Cultural Centre in Dokki. It brought together Egyptian children and Russian children from diplomatic and expatriate families living in Egypt.
The workshop was supervised by Egyptian visual artist Ahmed Ghouiba, who has led the initiative annually for the past four years. He said the event has become a regular fixture for some families, with children returning each year to make their own lanterns.
Russian mothers participated in the Ramadan lantern workshop at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dokki.
“The joy children feel when they create their own lanterns by hand is at the heart of the idea,” Ghouiba said.
This year’s edition allowed participants to personalise their lanterns by adding photographs and small light units. Russian mothers also took part alongside their children.
Russian and Egyptian children unite in Ramadan lantern workshop with Ghouiba, Gad and Zaychikov
Vadim Zaychikov, director of Russian cultural centres in Egypt, said activities like the workshop help build communication between Russian and Egyptian children by introducing elements of each other’s cultures.
Ibrahim Kamel, chairman of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, said the group sponsored the workshop for the second consecutive year as part of efforts to expand cultural ties between the two countries.
The Ramadan lantern, or fanous, is one of Egypt’s most recognizable symbols of the holy month. Traditionally used to decorate homes and streets, it dates back centuries and has evolved from candle-lit designs to electric metal and glass versions. In recent years, lantern-making workshops have become popular community activities, particularly for children.
The Russian Cultural Centre in Cairo regularly hosts artistic and educational events as part of broader cultural engagement between Egypt and Russia.
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