Ismailia Crowns Mango Season With Annual Festival on August 8th

Ismailia’s juiciest weekend is nearly upon us. On Friday, August 8th, the city will once again transform into a mango-scented daydream for the third edition of the Ismailia Mango Festival.

Festivities kick off at noon with the Public Mango Market at Nemra 6 Public Garden, where local vendors will be lining the gardens with crates of golden fruit. The market runs until 11:00 PM, with live music starting from 7:00 PM, so if you like your mangoes with a backbeat, plan your visit accordingly.

At 5:30 PM, all eyes turn to Mohamed Ali Street, where the Mango Parade will bring a burst of energy to the city centre. It’s loud, it’s cheerful, and it’s arguably the only time of year when wearing mango print head-to-toe might actually be encouraged.

Later in the evening, from 7:30 PM to midnight, the VIP Mango Bazaar takes over the Olympic Village. It’s a slightly more refined affair (though no less fun), where guests can sample rare mango varieties, learn the difference between the creamy and the fibrous, and maybe even make polite conversation about pulp content. It’s the mango equivalent of a fine wine tasting, with the note of less swirling and more slurping.

Entry is free, the sun will be out, and yes - you’re probably going to leave sticky. But in a good way.