The vibrant shores of Badouza in the Moroccan city of Safi are set to come alive with the enchanting sounds of poetry during the seventh edition of the 'Poetry Beaches' event, organized by the Dar Al-Shi'r in Marrakech in collaboration with the regional cultural directorate of Marrakech-Safi. Scheduled for August 9-11, 2026, this cultural celebration promises an eclectic mix of poetry evenings, musical performances, and workshops for children, culminating in the honoring of the esteemed critic, Dr. Munir Al-Baskari.
This grand poetic event aims to broaden the horizons of poetry across various southern Moroccan cities, fostering greater accessibility to poetic expressions in public spaces and creating new avenues for poetry to reach its audience. The festival will feature nightly poetry sessions and diverse musical segments, alongside a dedicated section focusing on poetic experiences themed around "Critique of Poetry in Morocco," addressing the intricate relationship between poetry and its languages within the context of Morocco's rich cultural and linguistic diversity.
Each evening at 7:30 PM, attendees can immerse themselves in poetry readings and musical showcases, while morning sessions starting at 10:30 AM will host poetry, theater, reading, and performance workshops. Furthermore, the public reading space of the Dar Al-Shi'r library will welcome all visitors, enhancing the cultural exchange between creators and the public. The 'Poetry Beaches' festival embodies a cultural and social space that aims to bridge the gap between the audience and poetry, facilitating direct interactions between creators and their audience. This year's event reflects a symbolic moment, accentuated by the return of Moroccan expatriates to their homeland, celebrating the intersection of poetry and social connection.
The festival will officially kick off on Sunday, August 9, at 5 PM on the shores of Badouza, with workshops focusing on performing poetry, sound, and movement, open to participants from the summer camp and local residents, led by the talented artist, Nozha Al-Jaidi. The beach library, overseen by artist Said Abu Khaled, will promote reading and develop creative skills among children and attendees.
The following day, Monday, August 10, will continue with morning workshops and the public reading space opening to all beachgoers, featuring publications from the Sharjah Government's cultural circle and the Dar Al-Shi'r in Marrakech. At 7:30 PM, the festival will showcase its first poetry evening titled "Poets and Theater Artists," with performances by renowned poets such as Saeed Al-Tashfini, Hania Al-Sharami, Said Jidani Bazi, and Abdel-Salam Benfina, along with a musical performance by the Gnawa group "Qudsi Abdel Jalil." A special tribute will be given to the researcher and critic Dr. Munir Al-Baskari, who has dedicated his academic efforts to exploring the cultural history of Morocco, including his published works on the Malhun poetry in Safi.
The festival will conclude on Tuesday, August 11, with the unveiling of the sand sculpture to the public and a final presentation from the children’s workshops focused on enhancing their performance skills. At 7:30 PM, attendees will be treated to a segment titled "Residence in Poetry," featuring poets such as Youssef Al-Azraq, Thouriya Al-Kour, Abd Al-Jawwad Al-Aoufir, and Mohammed Al-Saq, with the musical group "Al-Ruwat" providing the closing entertainment.
Ultimately, the 'Poetry Beaches' event stands as a cultural and social space dedicated to bridging the gap between the audience and poetry, creating an open platform for direct engagement between creators and the public. The festival’s history, rooted in locations such as Sidi Ifni, Agadir, Essaouira, Tan-Tan, and Tiznit, serves as a testament to the continual journey of poetry across various spaces, making it accessible to all.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
