Algerian Radio
The Commissioner of the Timgad International Cultural Festival, Abdallah Bouguendoura, affirmed on Thursday in Batna that the 43rd edition of the festival—taking place from July 9 to 13 at the new outdoor theater adjacent to the Timgad archaeological site (Batna)—will be "special" after a three-year absence.
During a press conference held in Batna just hours before the launch of the event, Bouguendoura indicated that "the 2026 edition will merge heritage with modernity, reflecting the event's openness to its African and Arab environment through the diverse participation of artists from sisterly and friendly nations, alongside Algerians from both within the country and abroad."
He added that "multiple musical genres and rich artistic performances will mark the festival's five evenings. Youth, modern, and heritage songs, alongside folklore and choreographic performances, will all be featured to satisfy the diverse tastes of the Timgad festival audience."
According to the same source, the objectives of this edition include "rehabilitating and establishing the festival as a major national cultural event reflecting Algerian cultural diversity and the state's commitment to supporting culture and the arts, revitalizing cultural activities in the region, promoting Timgad as a UNESCO World Heritage destination, and supporting artistic creativity while offering greater opportunities for Algerian artists to showcase their work."
The festival commissioner also discussed the material and human resources mobilized for the success of the event by the festival committee, the services of the wilaya, and the National Office of Culture and Information. These efforts include the implementation of a free round-trip shuttle service for citizens to the Timgad outdoor theater from the capital of the wilaya and other major cities, as well as the use of newly developed modern technologies for the first time.
Artists from Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Mauritania, and Chad are participating in the 2026 edition of the Timgad International Festival.
