&nbsp;By: Yomna Walid
Imagine this, 80,000 people gathered in one place, united by faith, tradition, and a shared meal.
It&rsquo;s the 15th of Ramadan, and the streets of Matariya are alive with anticipation. Families, friends, and even strangers come together in an extraordinary display of unity, preparing to break their fast in what has become one of Egypt&rsquo;s largest communal Iftars. Behind the scenes, homemakers have spent days cooking for tens of thousands, while children spread positivity, their excitement radiating through the neighborhood.
What started in 2013 as a small gathering among residents of the Hamada estate has now evolved into an awe-inspiring event, proving the power of community spirit. Initially, a few neighbors came together, set up tables on a quiet street, sharing food and laughter, but the idea quickly gained momentum, growing year after year. Today, the Matariya Iftar is more than just a meal&mdash;it&rsquo;s a symbol of social cohesion and solidarity.
From a Modest Gathering to a Ramadan Landmark How It All Began Musab, one of the event&rsquo;s key organizers, shared the story behind Matariya&rsquo;s mass Iftar in an exclusive interview with Nile FM.
"It all started as a simple gathering at home with friends. Then it moved to the street, and more and more people joined. Eventually, we decided to make it a tradition on the 15th of Ramadan&mdash;not for social media fame, but to bring people together."
The Unstoppable Growth This year, the organizers prepared 50,000 meals, yet the turnout exceeded 80,000 people. Among those in attendance were high-profile figures, including Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo.
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Behind the Scenes of Preparation
The preparation for this grand event begins a week in advance. The food is divided into two parts: one prepared by homemakers and another sourced from local street vendors. Musab likens the gathering to major football matches or public celebrations, emphasizing that the event&rsquo;s core purpose is to unite people in the shared experience of breaking their fast.
Art and Iftar: Brushing Joy Onto Matariya&rsquo;s Streets A Street Art Revolution Beyond the feast, the spirit of Ramadan is reflected in the vibrant street art that adorns Matariya&rsquo;s walls. Ahmed Zebadi, a graphic artist, has played a pivotal role in transforming the streets into an open-air gallery, celebrating Ramadan&rsquo;s cultural heritage.
"This is my second year as a graphic designer for the Matariya Iftar, but the event itself has been running for 13 years. Due to COVID-19, it paused for two years, making this the 11th official edition. Initially, the artwork was simple and done by residents. As a local, I was proud to see it evolve, and I knew I had to be part of it."
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Bringing the Streets to Life Zebadi took the initiative to observe the nine streets where the Iftar takes place and proposed involving local artists on a volunteer basis. This year, the murals have sparked conversation and admiration, capturing the essence of Ramadan through beloved characters such as Fatoota, Bougy and Tamtam, Bakar, and Sheikh Al-Naqshabandi.
"We don&rsquo;t just paint random images; each piece tells a story. If a beloved Matariya resident has passed away, we include their portrait in the artwork. Our designs are inspired by conversations with the community. If an elderly neighbor cherishes a particular memory, we bring it to life through art."
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This initiative goes beyond aesthetics&mdash;it fosters a sense of belonging and nostalgia, reminding residents of the traditions that shape their identity. From painting murals to preparing meals, every individual plays a role in making Matariya&rsquo;s mass Iftar an unforgettable experience, because Ramadan is not just about fasting&mdash;it&rsquo;s about togetherness, love, and the power of community.&nbsp;

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