Algeria Suspends All Festive Cultural and Artistic Festivals Scheduled for August
Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts has announced the immediate suspension of all festive artistic and cultural festivals scheduled across the country during August, amid exceptional conditions caused by widespread forest fires and record-high temperatures.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the ministry said the measure applies to all festivals organized by institutions and festival commissions operating under its supervision throughout the national territory.
Minister of Culture and Arts Malika Bendouda issued strict and binding instructions ordering the immediate suspension of all festive festivals without exception.
The ministry explained that the emergency decision was taken as several provinces continue to face forest fires occurring alongside an exceptional heatwave affecting different parts of Algeria.
According to the statement, the measure reflects a duty of full solidarity with citizens affected by what the ministry described as a major ordeal. It also forms part of preventive and precautionary measures aimed at protecting public safety during the current emergency.
The ministry stressed the need to direct national and community efforts toward assisting people affected by the fires and supporting personnel mobilized on the ground.
These include members of the People’s National Army, Civil Protection services, National Gendarmerie units, forestry personnel and medical teams, as well as volunteers from civil society who have contributed to emergency and solidarity operations.
The latest decision extends measures already taken by the Culture Ministry. On July 17, Bendouda had ordered the immediate suspension for three days of festive cultural and artistic activities at cultural institutions and provincial directorates nationwide.
The August-wide suspension underscores the authorities’ decision to prioritize public safety, solidarity and support for affected communities while emergency services continue their efforts against the wildfires.
The ministry’s move also reflects a broader national mobilization aimed at concentrating resources and attention on protecting citizens and assisting the services working on the front lines.
