Algerian Radio
The Riad El Feth esplanade in Algiers will host the second edition of the Algerian Couscous Festival from April 23 to 25. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, this year’s festival returns on a larger scale and with a more ambitious vision, consolidating its position as a premier event celebrating Algeria’s culinary heritage.
The festival will be held under the official patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Mr. Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid. This initiative underscores the growing importance of the event in promoting national cultural heritage, coinciding with the celebrations of Heritage Month.
The festival organizer, Idir Saoudi, emphasized that this second edition "seeks to solidify the status of Algerian couscous as a symbol of identity and unity." He further highlighted that the event, held under the theme "Couscous Brings Us Together," will serve as a living platform for transmitting heritage and fostering values of creativity and excellence.
Over the course of three days, the public will be treated to a rich and diverse program highlighting the depth and variety of Algerian couscous. The festivities will include traditional craft exhibitions, folklore performances, and interactive workshops teaching couscous preparation techniques, such as the traditional rolling of semolina (Fetal).
In addition to specialized lectures on food heritage, the festival will feature tasting areas representing 69 Wilayas, alongside live demonstrations by professional chefs. The event will also host culinary competitions, culminating in a prestigious closing ceremony where the "Golden Grain" awards will be presented.
This edition will see high-quality participation from guests of honor, including international chefs, an elite group of Algerian culinary experts, and prominent figures from the national community abroad. These include artists, designers, media personalities, and content creators, all gathering to celebrate and promote Algerian couscous on an international stage.
More than just a culinary showcase, the festival represents a space for encounter and cultural exchange across generations. The festival’s founder aims to blend authenticity with innovation to showcase the richness of the Algerian food identity. The organizers have extended an open invitation to the public to participate in this unifying event, affirming that couscous is not merely a traditional dish, but a symbol of collective memory and the spirit of solidarity.
