Seventh Edition of 'Poetry Beaches' to Enliven Safi's Coastal Landscape
The enchanting coastal town of Safi, Morocco, is set to host the seventh edition of the much-anticipated 'Poetry Beaches' festival from August 9 to 11, 2026, at the picturesque Al-Badawza beach. Organized by the Dar al-Shi'r in Marrakech in collaboration with the regional cultural directorate of Marrakech-Safi, this year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of poetic evenings, musical performances, and engaging workshops for children, all culminating in the honoring of esteemed critic Dr. Munir al-Baskari.
The festival aims to bridge the gap between the audience and poetry, creating an open cultural space that invites direct engagement between artists and their admirers. With a lineup featuring acclaimed poets, critics, and artists, the event will not only showcase a variety of poetic expressions but also foster discussions on the theme of "Critique of Poetry in Morocco," exploring the intricate relationship between poetry and its diverse linguistic forms within the context of Morocco's rich cultural diversity.
A Vibrant Program to Engage the Community
The opening day of the festival will commence at 5 PM on Sunday, August 9, with various workshops centered on theatrical poetry, sound, and kinetic expression, all facilitated by the talented artist Nouzha al-Jaidi. The beach library will also open its doors, led by artist Said Abu Khalid, promoting reading among the children and other attendees. As the sun sets, the first poetic evening titled “Poets and Actors” will kick off, featuring renowned poets like Said al-Tashfini and Hania al-Sharami, alongside a musical performance by the Gnawa group.
The festival continues into Monday morning with further workshops and public reading sessions, showcasing publications from the Sharjah Cultural Department and Dar al-Shi'r in Marrakech. The second evening will highlight another set of performances, culminating in a tribute to Dr. Munir al-Baskari, a scholar known for his extensive contributions to Moroccan literary critique.
On the final day, Tuesday, August 11, attendees can look forward to the unveiling of the sand sculpture, a creative tribute to the festival’s cultural significance. The closing program, themed “Residence in the Poem,” will feature poets such as Youssef al-Azraq and Thouriya al-Kour, accompanied by a performance from the group "Al-Ruwat." Overall, the 'Poetry Beaches' festival serves not only as a celebration of poetic artistry but also as a vibrant social space that encourages cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
