In recent years, Egypt’s celebration scene has witnessed the emergence of an unexpected yet wildly popular trend: dancers donning giant gorilla costumes to entertain guests at various events, from birthday parties to weddings. This phenomenon has captivated audiences and sparked curiosity about its origins and cultural significance. The emergence of gorilla costume dancers in Egyptian celebrations can be traced back to the viral success of TikTok videos posted by Elcirq el sha’aby (The People’s Circus) in 2023. Their content captivated audiences, with some videos approaching 24 million views, sparking a nationwide trend. The videos of the horrifyingly funny dancing gorilla gained thousands of shares which set a trend in Egypt ever since. In 2024, this widespread attention inspired performers to incorporate gorilla suits into their acts, leading to the integration of such performances into various events. The fusion of traditional Egyptian festivities with these novel performances has redefined entertainment at social gatherings across the country. The trend gained significant attention through performers like Hazem Tarek, an 18-year-old Egyptian who entertains parties while dressing up in a a gorilla costume at weddings, birthday parties, and restaurant openings by wearing a full-body…
From Birthday Parties to Weddings: The Rise of Egypt’s Favorite Party Gorilla
May 26, 2025
