40,000 guests attend week-long Egyptian wedding

About 40,000 people in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis have attended the week-long wedding of a local resident, celebrating the traditional tribal rituals of the region.

The celebrations for the groom, Ahmed Bilal, took place near Matrouh Governorate, close to the Egyptian-Libyan border.

Mahmoud, a Siwa local who attended the event, told Arab News: “Our customs and traditions are that the celebrations last for several days, with the entire oasis community attending, along with our guests from outside Siwa.

“The most significant celebration was held at the house of Hajj Bilal Ahmed Bilal Al-Siwi, one of the tribe’s elders in the oasis, to share the joy of the groom Ahmed Bilal in a distinctive atmosphere.

“Preparations went on for 21 days, with a tent set up to accommodate the people invited from, and outside, Egypt. Elaborate arrangements were made for animal sacrifices and other provisions.”

Mustafa, a 70-year-old resident of the oasis, said: “Here in Siwa, the celebration lasts for seven days and nights, with tents, decorations, and the presence of family and relatives throughout these days. For Ahmed’s wedding, we had guests from all of Egypt’s governorates, guests from Libya and Saudi Arabia, and we witnessed several days full of joy.

“Thousands attend weddings here, but Ahmed’s wedding was attended by about 40,000 guests, including public figures such as Maj. Gen. Khaled Shuaib, governor of Matrouh, Matrouh’s deputies, mayors, sheikhs, elders and many tribal youths.

“Sacrifices of calves and sheep were made, and large banquets were prepared for the guests, with arrangements made by 50 cooks and assistants. There were 750 workers just for meal services over several days, about 200 to prepare and serve tea, coffee, hot and cold beverages, and 300 to serve fruit with the help of Siwa’s youth.”

Mustafa said that competitions took place during the celebrations, with winners receiving prizes.

Mahmoud added: “In the family and tribal celebrations in Siwa and Matrouh, there is no difference between the rich and the poor, or the strong and the weak; everyone sits and celebrates together. Celebrations here are characterized by affection and fellowship, and at prayer time, everyone lines up in rows, and at meal time, everyone sits beside each other.”