Tag: Africa

Special Occasion

Abu Simbel Sun Festival: When History Meets the Sun

Tanisha Cardozo

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is one of the most fascinating examples of how ancient engineering and natural phenomena can come together to create something truly timeless. Held at the iconic Abu Simbel Temples in southern Egypt, this extraordinary event continues to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a rare glimpse into the brilliance of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The festival is closely tied to the legacy of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. It is celebrated twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, marking what are believed to be his coronation day and birthday. On these mornings, just after sunrise, a beam of sunlight travels through the temple’s long corridor and reaches the inner sanctuary, illuminating three of the four seated statues—those of Ramses II and the gods Amun and Ra. Interestingly, the fourth statue, representing Ptah, remains in shadow, symbolizing his association with the underworld.

This alignment is far more than a visual spectacle. It reflects the extraordinary precision of ancient Egyptian architects, who designed the temple so accurately that the sunlight reaches the sanctuary on these exact days each year. The illumination of Ramses II alongside the gods was also deeply symbolic, reinforcing his divine status and legitimizing his rule in the eyes of his people.

Originally, the phenomenon occurred on February 21 and October 21, but the dates shifted slightly after the temples were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from the rising waters caused by the Aswan High Dam. Despite this shift, the spectacle remains just as awe-inspiring, continuing a tradition that has endured for over 3,200 years.

Beyond the solar event itself, the festival transforms the area into a vibrant cultural celebration. Visitors can witness traditional Nubian music and dance performances, lively processions, and a festive atmosphere filled with local energy and heritage. As the day transitions into evening, sound and light shows illuminate the temples, adding another layer of drama to the experience.

Food also plays a central role in the festivities, with bustling markets offering a taste of Egyptian cuisine. Among the highlights is koshari, the country’s beloved national dish, combining lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and a rich tomato sauce—simple yet unforgettable in flavor.

For travelers, experiencing the Abu Simbel Sun Festival requires careful planning. Staying close to the site is essential to catch the early morning phenomenon, and bookings must often be made well in advance due to the influx of visitors. Whether arriving by road or air, the journey is well worth the effort for a chance to witness one of the world’s most enduring and meaningful spectacles.

Ultimately, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival is not just an event—it is a powerful reminder of humanity’s ability to blend science, spirituality, and art into something that transcends time.

Fit & Fabulous

GUESS Celebrates Global Unity and Heritage with ‘One World, One Brand 2025’ in Marrakech

Tanisha Cardozo

As GUESS approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, the brand chose Marrakech, Morocco, as the stage for its global conference One World, One Brand 2025 — a vibrant celebration of creativity, heritage, and unity. The city holds deep personal meaning for Paul Marciano, GUESS’s Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, who was born there.

Now in its eighth edition, the conference brought together over 800 guests from 100 countries, marking one of the most ambitious gatherings in the brand’s history. The event unfolded over three days of inspiring conferences, fashion showcases, gala dinners, cocktail receptions, and luxurious experiences that reflected GUESS’s signature blend of glamour and authenticity.

The grand finale was a breathtaking fashion show at the El Badi Palace, an architectural marvel of 16th-century Morocco, where guests witnessed the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2026 and Pre-Fall 2026 collections and a special MARCIANO by GUESS capsule created exclusively for Marrakech.

“It’s far beyond a corporate gathering,” said Paul Marciano. “One World, One Brand is about bringing people together from across the globe to share ideas, celebrate creativity, and experience the lifestyle that defines GUESS. I chose Morocco to honor my family’s humble beginnings and to showcase the beauty and progress of this country that shaped who I am.”

The overarching theme, Never Forget Your Roots, resonated throughout the event, paying tribute to Marciano’s Moroccan heritage and GUESS’s evolution from its iconic denim origins to a global lifestyle powerhouse.

Among the attendees were GUESS executives, business partners, and international talent, including Chiara Ferragni, Leonie Hanne, Lea Elui, Maura Higgins, Krystle D’Souza, and Andrea Brillantes, along with global media and fashion influencers. Guests experienced curated adventures across Morocco — from sidecar tours through Marrakech’s vibrant souks to hot-air balloon rides over the Agafay Desert and private explorations of the Medina.

To extend the celebration, GUESS will take over the luxurious White Camel glamping resort in the Agafay Desert through the fall season, offering immersive experiences and décor inspired by the brand’s iconic heritage.

As GUESS moves closer to its 45th anniversary, One World, One Brand 2025 stands as a symbol of its enduring vision — a world united by creativity, connection, and timeless style.

Travel

Goa Boosts Global Tourism with Arrival of International Charter Flights

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is soaring to new heights on the international tourism map with the recent arrival of multiple international charter flights at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding the state’s global connectivity and attracting tourists from key international markets.

On October 3, 2025, the second 158-seater charter flight from Novosibirsk, Russia, landed in Goa, signaling the beginning of a strong inbound travel season. The following days saw a continued influx, with flights from Yekaterinburg arriving on October 4 and 5, each bringing 158 passengers eager to explore the charm of Goa. Adding to the momentum, a larger flight from Moscow carrying 296 passengers arrived on October 5, further reinforcing Goa’s position as a gateway to India for global travellers.

International connectivity is set to expand even further with the launch of charter flights from Kazakhstan beginning October 25, 2025. These routes are expected to boost travel from Central Asia, offering tourists a direct link to the sun, sand, and culture of Goa.

Speaking about the milestone, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, shared: “The arrival of these international charter flights is a clear reflection of Goa’s growing appeal as a global destination. We are committed to providing world-class experiences, warm hospitality, and seamless connectivity to ensure that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories.”

Echoing the sentiment, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, remarked: “The landing of these charter flights marks a key step in expanding Goa’s global accessibility. They also pave the way for greater engagement between travellers and Goa’s local culture and heritage.”

The Department of Tourism continues to work in close coordination with various stakeholders to ensure hassle-free operations and deliver the signature Goan welcome to all travellers. These efforts are not only boosting the economy but also elevating Goa’s reputation as a destination where leisure, culture, and adventure blend seamlessly.

With increasing international arrivals and strategic connectivity initiatives, Goa is set to further cement its place on the global travel map.

Business

Africa Leads the World in Female Entrepreneurship: A Rising Force of Innovation and Resilience

allycaralgoa

June 2025 | Global Trends | Business & Economy : Africa is charting a powerful new narrative—one led by its women. With an estimated 24% of women actively engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, the continent now holds the highest rate of female entrepreneurship in the world. This remarkable statistic isn’t just a reflection of economic necessity—it’s a testament to the resilience, vision, and determination of African women shaping their destinies and redefining economic landscapes.

Beyond Survival: A Story of Vision and Empowerment

While it’s true that limited access to formal employment drives many women to pursue business ownership, the rise of female entrepreneurship in Africa is not merely a response to hardship—it’s a conscious choice to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Women across African nations are launching businesses in sectors ranging from agriculture and retail to tech, fashion, education, and finance. They’re not only creating income for themselves, but also generating employment, empowering communities, and influencing policy and societal change.

What’s Driving the Rise?

Several factors are contributing to this entrepreneurial boom among African women:

  • Digital Connectivity: Access to mobile technology and digital platforms is helping women launch and scale businesses with limited capital.
  • Community Support & Networks: Peer groups, mentorship programs, and women-led incubators are providing vital support.
  • Microfinance & Informal Lending: Although access to formal finance remains a challenge, women are turning to microfinance institutions, savings groups, and innovative community funding models.
  • Cultural Shifts: Societal norms are slowly shifting, making space for women to take leadership roles in business and finance.

Challenges Remain

Despite the momentum, African women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers:

  • Limited access to capital and financial services
  • Gender-based biases in legal frameworks and traditional business environments
  • Balancing business with family responsibilities without adequate support systems
  • Educational and skills gaps, especially in rural areas

However, these obstacles have only further highlighted the ingenuity and persistence of women who continue to build, scale, and sustain their enterprises against the odds.

A Continental Legacy in the Making

From Nigeria to Kenya, South Africa to Ghana, inspiring stories abound. Women like:

  • Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank (Nigeria), a health-tech company revolutionizing blood supply systems.
  • Rebecca Enonchong, Cameroonian tech entrepreneur and founder of AppsTech.
  • Countless local market vendors, artisans, and service providers who form the backbone of informal economies and keep cities thriving.

These women—and millions like them—are not waiting for permission or ideal conditions. They are rewriting the rules and building legacies on their own terms.

What the Future Holds

With rising investment in women-led businesses, policy support for gender-inclusive economies, and global attention on African innovation, the stage is set for even greater transformation.

Africa’s leadership in female entrepreneurship isn’t just a continental success story—it’s a global lesson in resilience, creativity, and empowerment.

As Africa leads the world in female entrepreneurship, the message is clear: when women rise, nations rise. The continent’s future is being built—one bold woman and one visionary business at a time.