Carmel Egyptian Fest is returning to Carmel for the first time since 2019. It is located at St. Mary and St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, 12174 Shelborne Rd. It will be celebrated on September 2nd and 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. The festival had to be canceled due to COVID. Now, however, the CDC has removed the mask mandate and they have decided to resume the festival. They are now back and excited to continue to “strengthen our ties with the community we serve,” said Marlien Hanna, the festival marketing coordinator. The idea behind the festival is to create a welcoming environment where the community can go to “pray, meditate, spend some quiet time to think and get focused before carrying on with your busy life” (Hanna). The festival board wants people to be able to visit, see Egyptian culture, eat authentic food, and bring their kids to have fun in the kids’ fun zone. Admission is free for everyone in order to spread the culture. There will be face painting and Henna, as well as a bazaar for souvenirs. If anyone is interested in learning more about Egyptian culture or wants to embrace their own culture, I recommend that they visit Carmel Egyptian Fest.