Security forces cancelled an event at the pyramids Saturday, saying that event organizers had not obtained the proper permits.
People gathered at the pyramids to write love letters on balloons and release them into the sky to be seen by tourists nearby, in an effort to assemble Egyptians at the historical site.
"Balloons for the love of Egypt," was the name of the event page on Facebook. The event was organized by a number of volunteers for the second year in a row. It was organized last year at Al-Azhar Park near the Salahuddin Citadel.
Organizers stressed that the event aimed to promote tourism and gather Egyptians under a message of love and peace.
Organizers also insisted they had obtained permission from security forces as they entered the site.
"We were trying to do something to make us happy. My family and I decided to participate when we heard about the event," said Ossama Badawy, one of the participants.
The security forces seized the balloons after we started filling them with air, said Ossama.
An edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
