Canadian Association for Arts and Cultures Showcases Egypt at Prestigious African Festival

It is with pride and honor that the Canadian Association for Arts and Cultures (ACMC) represented the Arab Republic of Egypt at the annual African festival “Africa in Light,” which took place in Montreal, Canada.

The festival was held over four consecutive days, celebrating the cultural richness and historical depth of the African continent through a series of artistic, cultural, and community performances.

Egypt’s participation was led by journalist Nour Sobhi and director Ahmed Bondok, both leaders of the ACMC, who ensured to present a radiant and authentic image of Egypt, worthy of its heritage and its central position in Africa and in the world.

Egypt, Guest of Honor at the Festival

This edition was marked by a collective fashion show bringing together all the participating nations, with Egypt as the guest of honor, alongside Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Kenya, Congo, and Senegal. The fashion shows brilliantly illustrated Africa’s cultural diversity through traditional and contemporary outfits, worn with elegance, reflecting the identities and heritage of each country.

Showcasing African Achievements

The festival opened with the screening of documentary videos prepared by Egypt and the other participating countries, highlighting their recent achievements in key fields such as industry, infrastructure, education, health, investment, and tourism. These videos also emphasized efforts in women’s empowerment, highlighting their historic and current role in building and developing African societies.

Distinguished Official Presence and Notable Speeches

The festival welcomed many political and diplomatic figures, including:

Mrs. Carine Essomba, General Director of Rise and Shine and organizer of the festival, who stressed in her speech the importance of the bond between African countries and the need to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among the peoples of Africa.

The Honorable Olivier Ntumba, Canadian Federal Member of Parliament for Mont-Saint-Bruno, who expressed his joy in participating in such a unique event that highlights African culture, describing it as a source of pride for all.

The Honorable Simon Atikeau, Minister and Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana in Canada, delivered a moving speech in which he praised the opportunities offered to African children in Canada, emphasizing that success follows them everywhere, and that such a festival represents a source of pride for the entire African diaspora.

Egypt Honored through Culture and Folklore

Egypt also presented an authentic fashion show showcasing traditional clothing from the Egyptian Rif and Upper Egypt, as well as contemporary creations.

A Saidi folkloric performance also captivated the more than 2,000 visitors who attended over the four days of the festival.

Speeches by Nour Sobhi and Ahmed Bondoq: A Tribute to Egyptian Identity

In their official addresses, Nour Sobhi and Ahmed Bondoq expressed their immense pride in representing Egypt at such a prestigious pan-African event.

They emphasized that Egypt remains a civilizational bridge between the past and the future, and that this first participation marks the beginning of a lasting cultural partnership with African and Canadian communities.

They also highlighted the historical place of Egyptian women, who have always been key players in progress — from the time of the pharaohs to today — as leaders, doctors, governors, and inspirational role models.

Acknowledgements

In conclusion, they warmly thanked Mrs. Carine Essomba and all the participating countries for their collaboration and spirit of sharing, and extended a message of gratitude to Canada, a country that embraces diversity with openness and humanity.