The Best Cultural Festivals In Algeria

Algeria, one of the most extensive countries of Africa, lies in the northern borders of the continent. Once under French control, the desert country demonstrates a long cultural history, largely influenced by its colonial past. Each year international cultural events and festivals of Rai, the famous local music genre across the country, are held in the region. Algeria is also the one and only country that hosts a film festival taking place in a refugee camp – the Sahara International Film Festival. Below, we’ve listed the top five festivals in Algeria.

Timgad Festival

During the Roman Empire, Timgad was a legendary colonial city founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. Today the ruins of this ancient city have been well-preserved in time, with the scenery being incredibly beautiful and breathtaking. Today, the ancient town is located in the provine of Batna and for the past 38 years, the International Music Festival of Timgad has been welcomed into the region. The gestival takes place every July and lasts for a week with world-famous musicians across all kinds of genres, from rock to rai, spreading their voices in this enchanting location.

European Cultural Festival

DimaJazz

Dimajazz is a celebration of jazz music held every year in Constantine in Algeria. Since its first edition in 2003, the festival has steadily grown in duration, fame and quality with local artists and internationally famous jazz performers participating in this seven-day event. With the belief that jazz is invested with the noble mission of transcending differences, Dimajazz celebrates freedom, creativity, unity and, above all, peace.

Photo Exhibition Palais du Bey, Constantine

Festival of du Rai d’Oran

Rai d’Oran is an annual event held every August aiming to celebrate the popular Algerian genre of rai music. This music genre, that appeared in the 30s, is a form of folk music that was born in the cities, Oran and Aïn Témouchent, from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French and Arabic sounds. Since 2008 the festival has been held in the city Sidi Bel Abbes, instead of Oran, for political reasons. With a mix of western rock and arab rhythms, this festival attracts all generations in an annual event with more than 50 different artists.

Sahara International Film Festival

Each summer for the past 13 years, in the heart of the burning desert of Algeria, the Sahara International Film Festival has taken place. Fisahara, the world’s most remote film festival and the only one held in a refugee camp, brings together filmmakers, artists, activists and all kinds of cinephiles in Tindouf; the festival is located in camps where the Sahrawi people have settled for more than 40 years. Known as the Cannes of the desert, this festival lasts for five days during May or June and a lucky winner leaves leaves the festival richer with one white camel. Movie lover or not, this film festival, combined with local hospitality, will definitely amaze you.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.