Coronavirus Fears Kept Many Tourists from Attending Sun Festival in Abu Simbel

Tourists gather to as the beam from the rising sun hits the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the statues of king Ramses II, his wife Nefertari, and God Amun Re. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The solar phenomenon takes place twice per year on the presumed anniversaries of the pharaoh's birthday and coronation on Oct. 22 and Feb. 22, respectively. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

During the 18 minutes of the solar event, more than 4,500 tourists were able to watch the phenomenon; each tourist can observe for just for a few seconds and take a quick photo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Before the sun's rays reach the inner sanctuary, national and international tourists gather to celebrate with a night-long festival, watching local and international traditional dance shows. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

This year, 23 dancing teams from Egypt and abroad performed at the Sun festival. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Turnout this year was smaller than usual since many Asians are not able to travel due to the coronavirus outbreak. One case of coronavirus was suspected in Egypt, but tests later showed that person was negative. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Pablo (L), a Spanish Egyptologist working in Luxor, says "today is special because it is 22/02/2020 and it is the sun festival, we enjoyed the celebration from the beginning to the end.” His friend Mariano (R) came with him. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Ramses II built for his wife Nefertari a temple next to his in Abu Simbel and had carved a hieroglyphic text on it. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

H. Menezes, a tour leader from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, says "the event is powerful and full of people energy and crowded, which for children were not good, but for us it was amazing. One of the best experiences in my life." (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The solar phenomenon used to happen on Feb. 21, and Oct. 21, but after UNESCO relocated the temples in 1968 to rescue them from the rising Nile water, the phenomenon shifted one day. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)