General Hussein Tantawi the head of the military council Tens and thousands of Egyptians representing different political factions and backgrounds descended to Tahrir Square in central Cairo to take part in the demonstrations intended to express their love for Egypt which would be concluded by a mass Iftar amid  high security arrangements. General Hussein Tantawi the head of the military council had made a surprise visit earlier today in order to see for himself the arrangements made for the gathering later on. Tantawi was welcomed by demonstrators who arrived early at the square and welcomed him telling him “stand firm general” while others asked him “when are you going to hand the power over general” Tantawi was surrounded by heavy security while he was briefed by the Army General responsible for the security of the square.  
Many Sufi’s movements along with 57 political party and coalition have called for the boycott of today’s event while some other political and religious parties have called for their supporters to descend on the streets to commemorate the occasion.
Sheikh Alaa Abul Azayem, a leading Sufi cleric has issued a statement calling for giving more time and peace for the government to work to achieve the promises and the commitments made and he called upon the masses to raise only Egyptian flags.  
All the entrances and exits to Tahrir square were controlled by Egyptian military police and the central security to ensure that the celebration which would officially start at 5pm local time would pass peacefully.