Spring in Cairo: A Cultural Awakening
Despite its dusty reputation, springtime in Cairo unleashes bursts of warmth and color, from puffy oleander bushes to jacaranda trees shouting with purple blossoms. Sidewalks are shaded under blooming acacia trees, and Cairenes are happily shedding their winter coats and thick scarves for sandals and t-shirts. As the city reawakens, it’s the picture-perfect time for a visit.
Join Iftar Dinners During Ramadan
In 2019, the holy month of Ramadan falls from May through the first week of June, making spring the ideal time to avoid Cairo’s notorious crowds and traffic. During Ramadan, the streets can seem sleepy during daylight, but once twilight settles, the usual hum of the city resumes. Families rush to pick up last-minute desserts on their way to one of the ubiquitous iftars, the evening meal that breaks the day’s fast. During this time, iftar and suhoor, or pre-dawn meals, encompass Egyptians’ entire social calendar. It is advisable to squeeze in at least one iftar at a luxurious hotel, such as the Wust El Balad Tent at the Ritz-Carlton (roughly LE300, about US$17.30), but be sure to plan ahead as they book out fast. More casual roadside iftar tables are also spread around the city. If you don’t mind an early start, consider joining a suhoor meal before the day’s fasting begins.
Drop in on an Arts Festival
The Downtown Contemporary Art Festival, or D-CAF, runs for three weeks until late April and is spread over multiple sites downtown. This festival fuses performing arts with film, photography, and urban vision workshops run by leading artists and educators from around the world. Expect unique experiences like ‘interactive dance calligraphy performances’ or specialized workshops such as concert photography. If you prefer to watch a film, set aside a night in mid-May for an art house screening at Zawya, which hosts the Cairo Cinema Days festival, showcasing around 40 contemporary award-winning feature and documentary films from across the Arab region.
Scout Out Contemporary Egypt in Old Cairo
Old Cairo is home to a trove of historic wonders, from the 7th-century Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo to the millennium-old Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As. Within the Fustat area of Old Cairo stands Darb 1718, an outdoor contemporary art and culture centre. This springtime location is perfect for spending an afternoon, with live music concerts, fashion and art exhibitions, open-mic nights, and educational workshops. Pottery workshops and photography classes focusing on light refraction and shutter speed are among the activities offered. April’s hieroglyphics workshop is sure to be a hit.
Take a Hike
From late March to early June, Cairo experiences springtime perfection with temperatures averaging around 30°C. The trees are in bloom, students are finishing exams, and Cairenes are all smiles and more relaxed. Enjoy the carefree vibe by walking through downtown’s bustling streets, along the breezy Corniche, or around Zamalek’s leafy avenues. However, beware of April’s sporadic sandstorms and thunderstorms; if the sky changes to a dusty hue, it’s wise to head indoors.
