clôture de la 14e édition du Festival culturel national de la poésie féminine
14th National Festival of Women’s Poetry in Constantine: A Celebration of Voices and Heritage
The 14th National Festival of Women’s Poetry concluded on Sunday afternoon in Constantine, a vibrant event that captivated a diverse audience over three days at the Malek Haddad cultural house. This year’s festival showcased the remarkable talent of female poets, highlighting their unique perspectives and contributions to Algerian culture.
The festival featured a competition where Aya Rezaïguia claimed the top prize in the category of classical Arabic poetry with her poignant piece titled "Soirée au royaume de lumière" ("Evening in the Kingdom of Light"). Meanwhile, Kawthar Ferahtia emerged victorious in the "Melhoun" category with her touching poem "Abi" ("My Father"). The event brought together 40 poets from various regions, each sharing powerful messages of hope, resistance, and freedom through their verses. These performances echoed themes relevant to women’s realities and national identity, showcasing the depth of Algerian women’s poetry.
The festival’s organizer, Amira Deliou, expressed her pride over the event’s success, describing it as "exceptional." She emphasized that the festival transcended mere literary exhibition; it served as a platform for women’s voices to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and identity. Deliou also acknowledged the profound impact of women’s poetry in conveying the suffering of oppressed peoples, notably the Palestinian struggle, thereby intertwining personal pain with collective hope for a brighter future.
Deliou highlighted the critical role female poets play in preserving national memory and heritage, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This focus on heritage was evident in the festival’s activities, which included art exhibitions, workshops, and explorations of significant historical sites in the city, known as the “City of Hanging Bridges.” Moreover, a salon dedicated to emerging businesses in artificial intelligence was introduced, aligning with the month dedicated to cultural heritage, this year themed "Cultural Heritage in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."
The festival’s closing ceremony featured a moving choral performance entitled "El Qods Salam," which artfully combined poetry with vocal expression. This performance added an aesthetic dimension to the event that resonated deeply with the historical significance of Constantine and Algeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
Overall, this year’s festival not only celebrated the artistry of female poets but also reinforced the importance of cultural heritage and identity, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges. The resonance of their words offers hope and highlights the vital roles women continue to play in Algerian society and beyond.
In conclusion, the 14th National Festival of Women’s Poetry served as a significant cultural event, melding tradition with modernity and showcasing the power of female voices in poetry. The celebration of their work is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and creativity within Algerian women’s literature, emphasizing themes of identity, heritage, and the shared struggles of humanity. The festival was not merely an artistic endeavor but rather a powerful reminder of the role of poetry as a medium for change, bridging personal experiences and collective narratives through the artful expressions of women poets.
