The End of History

Abstract

This chapter considers the post-1967 Limby festival, especially how the culture of Port Said was changed by economic liberalism, emigration, and free trade, all of which resulted in the death of Limby as it was known prior to this time. The symbolism of the Suez Canal and Port Said changed after the 1967 and Attrition Wars, when the cities of the Canal were evacuated. After the 1973 October War, the reopening of the Canal brought a new population to the Canal cities, one that was not indigenous to the region. Many segments of the population left too, notably foreigners. Thus, the Canal region’s “collectivity” was altered as was its “collective memory.” Liberal capitalism further transformed Port Said and the form of the festival.