Iconic Opera Aida to Be Performed at Abu Simbel Temple

Twice a year, the Abu Simbel temples in Aswan experience a dramatic solar alignment, in which the rays of the sun shine into the Temple of Ramses II and illuminate the statues of the great pharaoh and the gods of ancient Egypt sitting within. Considered a feat of ancient engineering, the solar alignment is timed to fall on February 22nd and October 22nd every year without fail - all in celebration of Ramses II’s birthday and coronation, respectively.

This February, the sun’s brilliance will double as a spotlight for one of the most iconic operas in history. In a return to its cultural roots, the governor of Aswan announced that Aida, the famed opera by Italian composer Guissppe Verdi, will be performed at Abu Simbel as part of the official festival held in honour of the temple’s solar alignment.

The opera was commissioned by the Khedivial Opera House, where it was first performed on December 24th, 1871. Set in the Old Kingdom, the story follows the tragic love story between the Egyptian military commander Radames and Aida, a captured Ethiopian princess. Since its premiere, the opera has been performed in some of the most prestigious halls across the globe.