The Tahtib Festival
The Tahtib Festival Egypt
The Tahtib Festival is an annual cultural event celebrating Tahtib, an ancient Egyptian martial art and traditional stick dance that dates back thousands of years. It is deeply rooted in Upper Egyptian rural culture and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival showcases performances of Tahtib accompanied by traditional music, especially the mizmar (reed flute) and drums, attracting participants and audiences from across Upper Egypt. It is held in Luxor, often in historic public squares or near ancient temples, and lasts several days featuring competitions, demonstrations, and folk celebrations.
28.12.2025 /
29.12.2025
Sphinx Square, Luxor
Tahtib is an ancient martial art and folk dance, with origins dating back over 4,000 years in Upper Egypt.
Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, it symbolizes strength, tradition, and community
identity.The festival features stylized stick combat dancing accompanied by traditional mizmar (reed flute) and
percussion. Performers wear traditional galabeyas and turbans. Competitions and public performances
celebrate rural heritage.Tahtib is taught through families, workshops, and local clubs, with youth actively learning and performing.The State and UNESCO support enhanced preservation efforts. Media exposure increases popularity, though efforts continue to balance authenticity with modern audience engagement.