Celebrating Poetry and Culture at the Beaches of Safi
The seventh edition of the "Poetry Beaches" festival will take place at Boudoza Beach in the Moroccan city of Safi, scheduled for August 9-11, 2026. Organized by the Dar Poetry in Marrakech, in collaboration with the regional cultural directorate of Marrakech-Safi, this event promises a vibrant cultural gathering featuring not only poetry readings but also musical performances and interactive workshops for children. This year, the festival will honor Dr. Munir Al-Baskari, a respected critic and researcher known for his contributions to Moroccan cultural studies.
This major poetic event aims to connect the Dar Poetry in Marrakech with various cities and regions throughout southern Morocco, fostering greater accessibility to poetry in public spaces. Additionally, it opens new avenues for the exchange of poetic dialogue among diverse audiences. Attendees can look forward to a variety of evening poetry sessions, musical segments, and discussions centered around the theme of "Critique of Poetry in Morocco," exploring the intricate relationship between poetry and its linguistic expressions within Morocco's rich cultural tapestry.
Engaging Activities and Workshops for All
The festival will commence on Sunday, August 9, at 5:00 PM with poetry workshops that emphasize performance, voice, and movement, all facilitated by the talented artist Nuzha Al-Jaidi. These workshops are open to local residents, summer camp participants, and visitors alike. The beachfront library, led by artist Saeed Abu Khaled, will also aim to promote reading and nurture the creative skills of children and attendees.
The festivities will continue on Monday, August 10, with morning sessions dedicated to the workshops and public reading space, featuring publications from the Sharjah Culture Circle and the Dar Poetry in Marrakech. In the evening, poetry lovers can enjoy an engaging session titled "Poets and Actors," featuring poets such as Said Al-Tashfini, Haniya Al-Sharami, and Abdel Salam Benfina, alongside performances by the Gnawa music group led by Qudsi Abdel Jalil.
The festival's closing day, Tuesday, August 11, will feature the unveiling of a sand sculpture dedicated to the event and a concluding performance by young participants from the workshops, showcasing their skills in recitation and movement. The evening will conclude with the "Residence in Poetry" segment, featuring celebrated poets such as Youssef Al-Azraq and Muhammad Al-Saq, alongside the musical group "Al-Ruwat."
The "Poetry Beaches" festival stands as a cultural and social bridge, allowing for direct engagement between creators and their audiences. It continues the tradition of previous editions held in cities like Sidi Ifni, Agadir, and Essaouira, fostering a sense of community and belonging, especially in the context of Moroccan expatriates returning to their homeland. This initiative by Dar Poetry in Marrakech reflects a commitment to nurturing artistic expression and enhancing public interaction with poetry in various Moroccan locales.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
