The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Hello Cairo!

As we approach the end of a whirlwind week in Egypt, and prepare for a whirlwind few months, Tahrir Square will turn into a carnival of red, white and black. But as recent history has taught us, things can escalate and get out of control in a split-second.

Like two years ago, Tahrir Square will again inevitably be treated as a site of historical significance in Cairo, luring Cairenes and Egyptians from every corner to marvel in the revelry of it all.

But as the last week as shown us, the importance of groups like Tahrir Bodyguard, Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment and others, has never been more apparent.  Though the brave volunteers have done a phenomenal job of serving the overall harmonious spirit of the Tamrod protests, they still need more volunteers, more equipment and more funding.

Whether you’re on board with the outcome or not, there are no politics when it comes to this kind of cause. To find out more on volunteering at Tahrir, click here.

Meanwhile, Thursday has been met with humour across Cairo’s bars and clubs; take Amici in Zamalek for example. The popular bar will tonight hold an open-bar ‘Legitimate Party’ – get it? Elsewhere, Care Café Club celebrates with ‘Morsy’s Night’. Tonight also sees a host of local talent taking to stages across the city, including a double header of live music at Cairo Jazz Club courtesy of Beatles tribute band, Glass Onion, and Cat Stevens tribute act, Karkadan. Meanwhile, El Genaina Theatre hosts more live music, with metal band, SimpleXity, and badass all-girl rockers, Mascara, making rare public performances.

The Tamarod-fuelled celebrations continue on Friday, as Tamarai invites one and all to ‘Big Party’ – but only if you where the Egyptian colours, of course.  Elsewhere, popular open-mic night, Mashrou3 Al Mareekh lands at Dina’s Hostel in Maadi, Cairo Jazz Club welcomes DJs, Minus T and Shady Noor for ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and DJ Feedo heads R&B Night at O Bar, while Artellewa and theatre group, ‘Esmo Eh..?’ host a Mime Workshop.

Saturday sees Mashrou3 Al Mareekh return, but this time at Bikya in Maadi, while Beit El Raseef hosts ‘Egyptian Tunes’ – a night dedicated to local Oriental bands. Meanwhile, Cairo Jazz Club welcomes DJ Mohasseb, while DJ Roro signs off the weekend at Four Seasons Nile Plaza club, Graffiti, with the last of three consecutive nights of ‘Drums and Beats’.

No one knows how the next few days will play out, so please call ahead in case of any cancellations and – more importantly – stay safe.