Egyptian Rights Group Sues to Stop Raves and Music Festivals at Giza Pyramids

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt raves and large-scale music events at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Egyptologist Monica Hanna and two other plaintiffs, targets Egypt’s tourism minister, the antiquities council chief and the Giza governor, according to Egyptian news outlet Al Manassa. The complaint alleges that powerful sound systems generate vibrations capable of loosening ancient stonework, while laser lighting fails to meet international standards for “heritage illumination.”

The legal action arrives in the wake of several high-profile electronic music events within the Giza pyramid complex, including a recent performance by techno superstar Anyma on October 10th. The founder of EXIT Festival is currently organizing the first-ever multi-day, multi-stage music festival at the historic site, with an expected launch in October 2026.

The ECESR grounds its case in Egypt’s Constitution, the 1983 Antiquities Protection Law and UNESCO World Heritage Convention obligations. Their suit demands enforcement of existing regulations that prohibit alterations to antiquities buildings and require organizers to prevent hazards from installations.

Egypt has increasingly marketed its ancient sites for private events as part of efforts to boost tourism revenue. To that end, the group is accusing Tourism Ministry authorities of neglecting their duty to protect the landmark despite knowing about the celebrations, characterizing as them as “a grave danger to the safety of the Pyramids and their historic setting.”