TravelTalkMEDIA, December 12th, 2007
New York – For the first time ever, Egypt will participate in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade Rose Parade on January 1st, 2008 in Pasadena, California. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and The Cairo-Los Angeles Friendship Committee will present a float made of roses to celebrate the “Treasures of Egypt”. The Egypt float, designed by Emmy award winning artist, Raul R. Rodriguez, will feature a representation of the famed Abu Simbel Temple, along with Egyptian symbols such as golden statues and obelisks.
A Place of Honor for Egyptian Culture
As in past years, millions of spectators from around the world are expected to celebrate New Years Day at the Tournament of Roses Parade. This is the 119th Rose Parade and its theme, "Passport to the World's Celebrations", promises to be more extravagant than ever.
“We are particularly honored to participate in the Rose Parade this year, as it is a celebration of world cultures. This is the perfect occasion for the US and Egypt to come together and share a unique experience” said Sayed Khalifa, Director of the Egyptian Tourist Authority for the US. “Americans will have the opportunity to taste the rich history of Ancient Egypt while enjoying their exciting annual ceremony”.
A Genuine Egypt Float
Egypt’s float theme, "Celebrating the Treasures of Egypt", heralds the first ever participation of the Egyptian Tourist Authority in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Built by the well known, Fiesta Parade Floats, the concept was inspired by the proud heritage and distinctive customs and traditions of the Egyptian people, both past and present.
The float itself is an eloquent fusion of floral, history and art, combining pageantry, history and artistry to celebrate Egypt and its Treasures. Measuring 24 feet high, 55 feet long, and 18 feet wide, the float highlights Egypt’s mysterious past, magnificently portrayed in a dazzling array of treasures and artifacts. It is mechanically operated through an innovative, high-pressure hydraulic system that lowers the 24-foot tall float to 16 feet in height in less than 45 seconds.
Featured against a splendid throne adorned with hieroglyphics are the statues of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, flanked by floral flames and torchiere bowls. Sacred falcons stand guard over stylized lotus blossoms from Upper Egypt and papyrus plants from Lower Egypt, a symbol of the union of these two lands.
Twin obelisks representing the stability and creative forces of the solar god Ra, the ancient and powerful river Nile, her rich fertile valleys, indicating the very foundation of life, adorn the float capturing the essence of the beauty of Egypt.
Many of the floral materials were imported directly from Egypt. Jewel-toned gardens in Red Cleopatra, Golden Sphinx and Cairo roses, which were grown exclusively for the float, were also used to further enhance the Egyptian motif.
Abuot Egypt
Bordered by the Mediterranean to the North, and the Red Sea to the East, Egypt is a diverse country full of hidden treasures. Synonymous with the legends of the Pharaohs, Egypt offers a warm welcome by its friendly people and has a rich blend of culture and cuisine – combined with abundant coral reefs and luxurious beach resorts. Egypt provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking guaranteed year-round sunshine, value for money, and the highest standards of accommodation and service.
For further Information, contact:
Egyptian Tourist Authority
630 Fifth Ave., Suite 2305
New York, NY 10111
T (212) 332 2570
1 877 77 EGYPT
F (212) 956 6439
www.egypt.travel
Email: info.us@egypt.travel
