The Ismailia International Folklore Festival is kicking off its 20th edition early September in the Suez Canal city, under the supervision of the Culture Ministry and the governorate of Ismailia.

Among the participants are 10 troupes from eight countries: Venezuela, Russia, Romania, Greece, Lebanon, Maldives, Indonesia, Palestine and Serbia, in addition to eight groups from Egypt.

The opening will be held at the Ismailia Stadium, and the organisers vowed a "different" round of the festival held from 3 to 7 September.

The festival activities will be held in various arenas, including local sports clubs and national parks in Ismailia.

The coastal city, located 100km east of Cairo, is accessible through a host of transportation modes.

Accommodation costs in Ismailia are lower than in Cairo. Several hotels and resorts are available for different budgets. 

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