Yesterday marked the 7th anniversary of the culture palace fire in Beni Suef which claimed over 30 lives. The fire was reportedly due to a candle falling on a set, after which it spread to the whole theater. The fire extinguishers were locked in a distant room and there was only a single exit. After the horrific incident, Farouk Hosny, then the Minister of Culture, resigned but former President Mubarak revoked his resignation.

In honor of the deceased, 5 September was declared the Day of Egyptian Theater by former Minister of Culture Emad Abu Ghazi in 2011. This year, the tradition continues and the Day of Egyptian Theater was held yesterday at the Hanager theater with the theme “We will not forget you”.