The Matareya neighborhood in Cairo hosts an annual iftar meal during Ramadan, with this year’s event attracting as many as 30,000 people. What started as a small gathering among neighbors has now grown into a community event with 700 tables stretching over half a mile across seven alleyways. Organizers begin preparations months in advance, gathering supplies, cleaning, and decorating the streets for the occasion. The event, funded by local donations, serves 10,000 meals and has seen the participation of politicians, celebrities, and diplomats over the years. The goal is to bring joy and happiness to residents and neighboring areas, with the event being dubbed the longest iftar table in Egypt. Despite interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community meal continues to draw people together for a shared experience of breaking the fast during Ramadan.
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