What ever you make of Ramadan, you can't deny that there's something special in the air throughout the month. Everyone's a little softer, life is a little slower - or maybe that that's just the delirium of hunger and thirst talking.

Whatever he case, Ramadan fever is inescapable and Darb 1718 is contracting a heavy bout of it starting on Thursday 8th June - the night of the launch of Layalina Festival.

Bringing together live music, art exhibitions and a special Ramadan bazaar, things kick off with a double header on the opening night featuring Gazaga and a Port Said-ian tannoura performance while the following Thursday nights will see a cocktail of some of the most popular bands take to the stage, including Hawas (June 15), El Dor El Awal and Strawberry Swing (both June 22).

Adding to what is shaping up to be a colourful carnival atmosphere is special bazaar that will see some of the best local brands and shops lay out a spread of everything from fashion and accessories, to kninck-knacks and more, while art exhibitions are the cherry on top of this festive sundae.

See - live music during Ramadan doesn't need to mean watching Sha3bola or El Leithy go through the motions under a blanket of shisha smoke.

For more information, check out the official Layalina Festival and Darb 1718 Facebook pages.
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By Haisam Awad