Thousands of Copts and Muslims have flocked to the Demiana village in Daqahliya on Wednesday to celebrate the St. Demiana feast, which is held on May 12 to 30 every year.
The Security Directorate went back on its decision forbidding the celebrators to set up tents on the second day close to monastery, provided there is space between them for ambulance and fire engines to pass.
Security was tightened around the monastery, preventing cars from parking near it and placing metal detectors at its entrance.
Father Dioscorus Shehata of the monastery said the police have checked the place several times and promised to secure the celebration until the end.
The festivities include daily masses and sermons, visits of archaeological sites, hymns and a procession of St. Demiana’s icon.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
