Avenue of Sphinxes celebration in Luxor - in pictures

  • Fireworks explode during the opening ceremony for the restored Avenue of the Sphinxes, or Road of the Rams, a 3,000-year-old path that connects Luxor Temple with Karnak Temple, on November 25, 2021. Reuters
    Fireworks explode during the opening ceremony for the restored Avenue of the Sphinxes, or Road of the Rams, a 3,000-year-old path that connects Luxor Temple with Karnak Temple, on November 25, 2021. Reuters
  • After years of renovation and in a bid to reinvigorate Egypt's tourism sector, the 2,700-metre Avenue of the Sphinxes was reopened in a grand ceremony. Getty Images
    After years of renovation and in a bid to reinvigorate Egypt's tourism sector, the 2,700-metre Avenue of the Sphinxes was reopened in a grand ceremony. Getty Images
  • Performers dance during the official ceremony outside Luxor Temple. AFP
    Performers dance during the official ceremony outside Luxor Temple. AFP
  • The 2,700-metre Avenue of the Sphinxes is lit up for the event. Getty Images
    The 2,700-metre Avenue of the Sphinxes is lit up for the event. Getty Images
  • Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attends the opening ceremony at Luxor Temple. EPA
    Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attends the opening ceremony at Luxor Temple. EPA
  • Journalists wait by the pylon and remaining obelisk at the entrance of the temple. AFP
    Journalists wait by the pylon and remaining obelisk at the entrance of the temple. AFP
  • Egypt unveiled the sandstone-paved path lined with ram-headed statues and sphinxes dating back more than 3,000 years. AFP
    Egypt unveiled the sandstone-paved path lined with ram-headed statues and sphinxes dating back more than 3,000 years. AFP
  • Thousands of actors, dancers and drummers participated in the parade. Getty Images
    Thousands of actors, dancers and drummers participated in the parade. Getty Images
  • Dancers take part in the performance, which featured songs composed specially for the occasion. Getty Images
    Dancers take part in the performance, which featured songs composed specially for the occasion. Getty Images
  • A guard stands at the restored Avenue of Sphinxes. EPA
    A guard stands at the restored Avenue of Sphinxes. EPA
  • The grand ceremony marked the official reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes. EPA
    The grand ceremony marked the official reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes. EPA
  • A procession of hundreds of costumed performers set out from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. EPA
    A procession of hundreds of costumed performers set out from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. EPA
  • The procession winds its way between the two temples. EPA
    The procession winds its way between the two temples. EPA
  • The avenue has been carefully restored in a bid to reinvigorate Egypt's tourism sector. EPA
    The avenue has been carefully restored in a bid to reinvigorate Egypt's tourism sector. EPA
  • The avenue, as well as the two temples it connects, are set to be an open-air museum after years of excavation and restoration. EPA
    The avenue, as well as the two temples it connects, are set to be an open-air museum after years of excavation and restoration. EPA
  • The day after the parade, the entire length of the avenue and all the temples it includes opened to visitors free of charge. EPA
    The day after the parade, the entire length of the avenue and all the temples it includes opened to visitors free of charge. EPA
  • Luxor Temple before the start of the parade. Getty Images
    Luxor Temple before the start of the parade. Getty Images
  • Sphinxes sit near Luxor Temple before the celebration. Getty Images
    Sphinxes sit near Luxor Temple before the celebration. Getty Images
  • The entrance of the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Getty Images
    The entrance of the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Getty Images
  • Sphinxes line the 2,700-meter avenue. Getty Images
    Sphinxes line the 2,700-meter avenue. Getty Images