For 11 years, this colossal gathering has drawn thousands, transforming the bustling neighbourhood into a tapestry of shared meals, laughter, and camaraderie. What began in 2013 as a modest gathering of a few families has grown into an extraordinary spectacle — with more than 10,000 people now joining each year, stretching over seven streets and nearly 600 tables.
From humble beginnings to a citywide phenomenon
It all started in Ezbet Hamada when a handful of families from the Sa’aida clan came together for a small, communal iftar. Over the years, the event flourished, becoming a cornerstone of Ramadan in Cairo. By 2024, the feast covered a staggering 1,000 metres and involved over 2,000 local volunteers, from teenagers to grandparents, preparing food and setting tables.
The event paused briefly in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic — but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it returned stronger than ever. This year, organisers ambitiously aimed to serve up to 100,000 people across 18 streets.
A labour of love led by the community
What sets Matariya’s Iftar apart is its grassroots nature. Funded and organised entirely by local residents, the event relies on a vast network of volunteers—ordinary people who dedicate months to planning and preparing.
Moustafa, a chef who has been cooking at the event since its inception, stirs a steaming pot of molokhia with a knowing smile. “For 11 years, I’ve been here, and every year feels like the first,” he says. “It’s not just about the food. It’s about giving back — about showing the world what Matariya is really about.”
Ahmed, a 24-year-old volunteer, echoes that sentiment. “This isn’t just an event — it’s a labour of love,” he says, wiping his hands on his apron. “Seeing thousands of people come together, sharing one meal, one moment — it’s what makes all the hard work worth it. This is Matariya’s heart beating as one.”
Even the youngest members of the community pitch in. Children hand out bread and drinks, while women gather early in the morning to chop vegetables and prepare vast quantities of rice, meat, and salads.
What began with just 12 young organisers has now blossomed into a 600-strong team, each member driven by the same unwavering belief: that the Matariya Iftar is more than a meal — it’s a legacy.
The event has even grown beyond the neighbourhood, drawing attention from across the country — and beyond. Egyptian officials, diplomats, and public figures now make a point of attending.
This year’s guests included Dr Osama Al-Azhari, the Minister of Endowments, who praised the community’s efforts and called the event “a testament to the generosity of the Egyptian people.” The Minister of Youth and Sports highlighted the iftar’s success as an inspiring youth-led initiative supported by the Tahya Misr Fund. Cairo’s Governor, Dr Ibrahim Saber, and his deputy, Ms Mona El-Batrawy, joined the festivities, mingling with locals and sharing in the spirit of togetherness.
A reflection of Egypt’s soul
The Matariya Grand Iftar is not only about feeding the fasting — it’s a vibrant celebration of Egyptian identity. Streets are adorned with colourful decorations and banners. Ramadan lanterns sway gently above tables, while graffiti depicting football stars and the Palestinian flag adorns nearby walls.
Christian and Muslim women stand side by side on balconies, ululating in joy as classic Ramadan songs play from loudspeakers. Children dart between tables, their laughter ringing through the streets. The mood is infectious, drawing even the adults into impromptu singalongs of nostalgic anthems.
Um Mohamed, a lifelong Matariya resident, has volunteered alongside her family for over a decade. “Every year, we gather not just to cook, but to keep our traditions alive,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “It’s about more than food — it’s about preserving who we are as a community.”
This year’s Matariya Iftar in Cairo saw subtle yet striking shifts, blending tradition with modern expression. A playful catwalk show brought levity, but the event took a more profound turn as young attendees raised the Palestinian flag, captured by local, international, and social media cameras, sparking widespread discussion. Graffiti transformed walls into canvases, merging Ramadan folklore with youth creativity, while depictions of Al-Aqsa Mosque and passionate chants in Ezbet Hamada highlighted solidarity with Palestine. The iftar became both a celebration and a cultural and political expression platform.
The Matariya Iftar is the living, breathing embodiment of Egypt’s enduring spirit—a spirit that transcends religion, class, and background.
No walls divide the balconies here. Whether adorned with Quranic verses or images of the Virgin Mary, they overlook the same feast below — united in celebration. Matariya offers a powerful reminder of what binds Egyptians in a world often marked by division: resilience, generosity, and an unbreakable sense of community.
This is more than an iftar. It reflects Egypt’s soul — warm, welcoming, and unwavering.
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