Egypt's national kissing day
Egyptians urged to celebrate National Kissing Day amid turmoil - Facebook image of the page. Facebook image

Egyptians have been urged to celebrate National Kissing Day amid the spiralling unrest engulfing the Arab world's most populous nation.

An event page has been launched on Facebook calling on Egyptians to participate in the kissing marathon on 30 August.

More than 25,000 people responded positively to the invitation shortly after it was posted. The numbers are still growing.

"Is there anything more beautiful than seeing people loving each other and exchanging kisses? With love, we build a healthy balanced society; while by imposing taboos, we spread hate and extremism. That is why we announce a day of kissing and love. Kiss one another," said the organisers of the event on the page.

IBTimes UK is yet to receive an official response from the event organisers.

Scores of Egyptians have welcomed the initiative while many have also heaped scorn on the idea.

"I don't know what to tell you. Can't you do something to serve the country or help out detainees?" a user named Nagla Ahmed posted.

Another post said: "If a girl and a guy kiss each other on the streets, all hell will break loose, but if a guy hits a girl on the streets people will say it's none of our business."

Public display of affection is generally considered a taboo in Egypt. A law in the country prohibits "scandalous acts" in public and it is a punishable offence.

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