The Best Cultural Festivals In Algeria

Algeria, one of the most extensive countries of Africa, lies in the northern borders of the continent. Once under French control, the desert country demonstrates a long cultural history, largely influenced by its colonial past. Each year international cultural events and festivals of Rai, the famous local music genre across the country, are held in the region. Algeria is also the one and only country that hosts a film festival taking place in a refugee camp – the Sahara International Film Festival. Below, we’ve listed the top five festivals in Algeria.

Timgad Festival

During the Roman Empire, Timgad was a legendary colonial city founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. Today the ruins of this ancient city have been well-preserved in time, with the scenery being incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. Today, the ancient town is located in the provine of Batna and for the past 38 years, the International Music Festival of Timgad has been welcomed into the region. The gestival takes place every July and lasts for a week with world-famous musicians across all kinds of genres, from rock to rai, spreading their voices in this enchanting location.

European Cultural Festival

DimaJazz

Dimajazz is a celebration of jazz music held every year in Constantine in Algeria. Since its first edition in 2003, the festival has steadily grown in duration, fame and quality with local artists and internationally famous jazz performers participating in this seven-day event. With the belief that jazz is invested with the noble mission of transcending differences, Dimajazz celebrates freedom, creativity, unity and, above all, peace.

Photo Exhibition Palais du Bey, Constantine

Festival of du Rai d’Oran

Rai d’Oran is an annual event held every August aiming to celebrate the popular Algerian genre of rai music. This music genre, that appeared in the 30s, is a form of folk music that was born in the cities, Oran and Aïn Témouchent, from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French and Arabic sounds. Since 2008 the festival has been held in the city Sidi Bel Abbes, instead of Oran, for political reasons. With a mix of western rock and arab rhythms, this festival attracts all generations in an annual event with more than 50 different artists.

Sahara International Film Festival

Each summer for the past 13 years, in the heart of the burning desert of Algeria, the Sahara International Film Festival has taken place. Fisahara, the world’s most remote film festival and the only one held in a refugee camp, brings together filmmakers, artists, activists and all kinds of cinephiles in Tindouf; the festival is located in camps where the Sahrawi people have settled for more than 40 years. Known as the Cannes of the desert, this festival lasts for five days during May or June and a lucky winner leaves leaves the festival richer with one white camel. Movie lover or not, this film festival, combined with local hospitality, will definitely amaze you.

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