The festival-like atmosphere at the symbolic epicentre of a two-week-old national uprising became still more frenetic as news began to circulate that the military was taking charge of the situation.
"The people have brought down the regime!" they chanted. "The people and the army will complete the journey!"
AFP photographers perched on a balcony overlooking the square estimated that at least 200,000 people had gathered there to await the news, and streets leading to the area were packed with flag-waving merrymakers.
A military cordon deployed around the square to contain the protest, backed by a squadron of tanks, remained in place as jubilant demonstrators danced and women ululated with joy.
"I`m here because I don`t want to miss this moment, the moment he leaves," said 29-year-old Alia Mossallam.
"I don`t want to miss being here. We`ve done so much to reclaim this space. I`m so excited. I think this moment will change us."
She added that she did not want to get too excited before Mubarak confirmed his departure, as activists with megaphones reminded the crowd that the fall of the leader was only their first reform demand.
"We`ll have to keep coming down here to make sure the next government remembers they are accountable," she warned.
On the bridge over the River Nile carloads of revellers converged on the square, waving flags and honking their horns.
Mubarak was to address the nation on state-run TV later on Thursday. Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said no final decision had been taken and that the generals were still reporting to Mubarak as their commander in chief.
Pro-democracy cyber activist Wael Ghonim, a hero to the anti-regime movement after he was jailed and held blindfolded for 12 days for helping to organise the first protest last month, at first warned his followers to be cautious.
But later the excitement got the better of him, and he posted: "Revolution 2.0: Mission Accomplished" on his popular Twitter feed.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
