Every year, Al-Mermah " The Horse Race" happens as part of religious celebrations and festivals in Upper Egypt, specifically in the Qena Governorate and its suburbs and villages. It attracts everyone without exception, from children and adults.

Al-Mermah is a revival of an ancient heritage from the customs practised by the tribes in southern Egypt, similar to the Viking practices in the Scandinavian countries and the Cowboys in America, which is a form of ancient sports for the people.

Al-Mermah mixes folklore and heritage, and his lovers consider it a way to express pride and pride in the past and rebel against civil life in some way, which made these practices a thing of the past that is revived only on occasion.

Most families and tribes of Upper Egypt own a horse or more to feed and train throughout the year, waiting for a few hours in which they will accompany him to the circuit, leaving the burden of their lives in the city or village for a few hours to be a knight in a race track to prove the worthiness of their horse. The horse is considered one of the family members, not just an animal, but a distinguished individual who brings Joy & Pride to all the family.

Everyone meets in the ring from different tribes. Everyone forgets their differences and gets united by their passion for AlMermah.Two hours of festive atmosphere, the oboe sounds, the crowds, the atmosphere is covered by a layer of dust spread all over the dancing horses.

Al-Marmah is generally a game, but it is a serious game that many seek to master, and they wait to enjoy it 2 or 3 times a year in the time of the religious festivals.