The Festival culturel international de musique Diwane celebrates an Afro-Maghrebi heritage deeply rooted in the Algerian Sahara. Its sound world is shaped by the guembri, karkabous, collective singing and memories linking Algeria to Africa.
Béchar, a Diwane heartland
After earlier editions in Algiers, the festival developed a particularly coherent base in Béchar and Taghit. The region is one of Algeria’s major centres for this musical and choreographic tradition, which resonates with Moroccan Gnawa, Tunisian Stambali and other African practices.
Artistic and research programme
The 10th edition, held from 26 to 29 October 2023, combined concerts by Algerian, Maghrebi and African artists, local performances and talks on the historical circulation of Diwane. Emerging ensembles from the national festival were also invited.
Before planning a visit
The festival does not follow a consistently annual calendar. Check announcements from the festival organisers and the Ministry of Culture and Arts before travelling.