Farah El Bahr 2005 – The inauguration of the Anna Lindh Foundation

The roots of Farah El Bahr lie in the birth of the Anna Lindh Foundation. Held in April 2005 at the Citadel of Quait Bey in Alexendria, the first festival marked the opening of the Anna Lindh offices in the city and the beginning of their mandate in the Euro-Med region. Consisting of musical workshops, traditional dancing, cultural activities and street theatre the festival got the city’s attention and ensured the Foundation got off to a good start.

Farah El Bahr 2009

Given the wide acclaim of the 2005 edition and an opportunity to demonstrate the Anna Lindh Foundation’s progress and role in the city and wider region, Farah El Bahr was again held at the Alexandria Citadel between the 16^th and 17^th October 2009.

Although a different concept and programme, the festival aimed at showcasing a diverse range of artists and projects from across Egypt and beyond. Over the two days an engaging musical programme was realised with contemporary Egyptian bands, traditional music including bands from Siwa and Port Said, Spanish guitar and performances from Greek and Palestinian communities. Local handicrafts and artisans showcased their work and members of the Anna Lindh National Egyptian Network highlighted their projects throughout Egypt in fields of activity such as the Environment, Inter religious dialogue and Children’s Literature.

The festival was attended by over 3,000 peoples and received much critical acclaim, confirming to both the foundation and the local authorities that such an event deserves to be held regularly with a larger and more ambitious programme each year.

Please click here to download the programme of the 2009 edition