Celebrating the Art of Poetry at the Beaches of Safi
The seventh edition of the cultural event "Poetry on the Beaches" is set to unfold at Al-Badawza Beach in the Moroccan city of Safi from August 9 to 11, 2026. Organized by the House of Poetry in Marrakech in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Culture in Marrakech-Safi, this vibrant festival promises a rich array of activities, including poetic evenings, musical performances, and workshops tailored for children. The event will also honor the esteemed critic Dr. Munir Al-Baskri, acknowledging his significant contributions to the field of poetry critique.
This major poetic event aims to foster a greater appreciation for poetry across various Moroccan cities, particularly in the southern regions. By creating accessible platforms for poetry in public spaces, it seeks to broaden the reach and audience engagement within the poetic community. The festival will include a variety of poetic evenings and musical segments, alongside a dedicated session exploring the theme of "Critique of Poetry in Morocco," which seeks to address the intricate relationship between poetry and its linguistic expressions amidst Morocco's diverse cultural landscape.
Every evening at 7:30 PM, attendees can look forward to engaging poetic sessions, musical performances, and critical discussions. During the day, from 10:30 AM, workshops focused on poetry, theater, reading, and recitation will be held, making the public reading space at the House of Poetry in Marrakech accessible to all visitors. The "Poetry on the Beaches" event serves as a cultural and social space that bridges the gap between the audience and poetry, allowing for direct interactions between creators and their audiences. It reflects the previous editions' successes, which celebrated the return of Moroccan migrants to their homeland, creating a poignant moment of cultural connection.
Workshops and Celebrations Honoring Dr. Munir Al-Baskri
The festivities will commence on Sunday, August 9, at 5:00 PM, with a variety of workshops that encompass theatrical poetry, sound, and movement, as well as the creation of a sand sculpture. These workshops are open to participants from the summer camp at Al-Badawza Beach, local children, and other attendees, facilitated by the talented artist Nuzha Al-Jaidi. The public beach library, overseen by artist Saeed Abu Khalid, will also aim to foster reading habits and enhance creative skills among children and visitors alike.
The following day, August 10, will see the continuation of workshops and the opening of the public reading space, featuring publications from the Sharjah Cultural Circle and the House of Poetry in Marrakech. Poetry lovers will gather at 7:30 PM for the first evening of the festival, themed "Poets and Theater Artists," featuring a lineup of poets including Said Al-Tashfini, Hania Al-Sharami, Said Jidani Bazi, and Abdulsalam Binafina, while the Gnawa group "Qudsi Abdul Jalil" will provide musical entertainment.
The event will also include a special tribute to Dr. Munir Al-Baskri, an accomplished academic known for his scholarly endeavors in the cultural history of Morocco. Having previously served as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Dr. Al-Baskri's research has significantly contributed to the understanding of various poetic forms, including the "Malhoun" genre, with his published thesis titled "Malhoun Poetry in Safi" and his doctoral dissertation on "Sufi Themes in Malhoun Poetry."
On Tuesday, August 11, the festival will conclude with the unveiling of the sand sculpture and the showcase of creative works from the children's workshops, focusing on developing recitation and performance skills. At 7:30 PM, attendees will enjoy the "Residence in Poetry" segment featuring poets such as Youssef Al-Azraq, Thouriya Al-Kour, Abduljawad Al-Oufir, and Mohamed Al-Saq, with a musical finale by the "Narrators" group.
The "Poetry on the Beaches" event embodies a cultural and social initiative aimed at bridging the gap between audiences and poetry, fostering a space for direct engagement between creators and their public. It continues the tradition of previous editions held in locations like Sidi Ifni, Agadir, Essaouira, Tan-Tan, and Tiznit, celebrating the essence of poetry as a medium for cultural expression and social connectivity.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
