Tahtib - Egyptian Stick Fighting

Tahtib, pronounced Tahteeb, is a modern version of the Egyptian stick-fighting martial art that later turned into a folk dance. Tahtib is now on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What a mouthful!

Well, wouldn’t you know but Luxor is hosting a National Festival of Tahtib in the nearby square during the time that we are here. Musicians play folk instruments, like the mizmar or Egyptian flute while men, from several surrounding towns in Upper Egypt, dance using long bamboo sticks.

We walked to the square and watched the performances for about an hour. We were the only foreigners in the crowd so we became mini celebrities. Several people wanted to say hi or have their photo taken with us or talk to us. They even wanted me to try the dance. Yikes! I turned that offer down quickly.

Tomorrow we are up early (4 a.m.) for a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. When will we ever catch up on our sleep?Read more