une trentaine de pays attendus au 11e Festival international du chant spirituel « Samaâ »
11th International Festival of Spiritual Singing "Samaâ" in Laghouat
The 11th edition of the International Festival of Spiritual Singing "Samaâ" is set to take place from May 13 to 16 in Laghouat, Algeria, featuring participation from around thirty Arab and foreign countries. According to the organizers, this festival aims to honor Cheikh Chouyoukh Sidi Abi-Mediene Chouaïb El-Ghaouth, a significant figure in Sufism, both in Algeria and the Muslim world.
An Array of Cultural Activities
This year’s festival promises a diverse program and robust international participation. Notably, Uzbekistan will be the guest of honor, marking its first appearance at this event. Pr. Ahmed Benseghir, the festival commissioner, highlighted the exceptional inclusion of an international competition in spiritual singing, featuring participants from seven different countries, in addition to various groups from different Algerian provinces.
The festival’s agenda includes a series of lectures centered on Sufism, exploring its history and spirituality, facilitated by both national and international researchers. Attendees can also look forward to exhibitions of books and manuscripts, displays of traditional costumes, training workshops, and children’s performances.
Celebrations and Honors
A special ceremony will recognize individuals who have enriched the Sufi singing scene, along with performances by the Palestinian group "Banet El-Qods," a symbol of resistance. The festival will kick off with a vibrant parade of participating delegations at the Place Chahid Mohamed Chaâbani, featuring an atmosphere filled with Samaâ chants.
Evening events will occur at the Abdallah Benkeriou Cultural House and the Center for Research in Islamic Sciences and Civilizations, alongside various activities planned in Ghardaïa and Aflou.
A Vision for the Future
The festival organizers are optimistic that this event will reinforce Algeria’s role as a reference point for moderate Sufi thought and as a hub for cultural and religious engagement, especially amid growing challenges to spiritual and human values globally.
