For the past decade and a half, cultural life in Libya has been relatively quiet due to the country’s prolonged political instability which has disrupted the public’s engagement in the realm of the arts. Or at least that was the case up until organizers of the Benghazi Summer Festival (BSF) announced finally being ready to host an event for the first time in 15 years at the heart of the North African State. Scheduled to take place over two weeks from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15, stakes have never been higher to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. And given the line-up of performances, workshops, and activities, it seems as if this might just be the event that reignites Libya’s spark.
For this much-anticipated first, organizers have planned a series of diverse events, including concerts featuring Tunisian MC Samara, Moroccan rap star ElGrandeToto, as well as Marwan Moussa, and Afroto from Egypt. There will also be a book award, a robotics championship, and several sports tournaments set up with the participation of world-renowned athletes such as Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, five time Champions League winner Paolo Maldini, and former Argentinian striker Gabriel Batistuta. What’s more, festival-goers will also be able to wander through an array of exhibitions, from mapping shows to a book fair, a showcase on Benghazi’s history and more.
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Spearheaded by the Ajyalona Foundation — a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and education in Libya — BSF’s first edition has been described as a compelling effort to reclaim Libya’s “place as a vibrant and influential force in the realms of arts, sports, and culture,” per a shared statement. After years of struggle, the gathering aims to “shift global perceptions (of Libya)” while showcasing its «rich cultural heritage and contemporary arts scene,” which we hope will inspire renewed interest in the North African country following decades of struggle.
With tickets now available on the festival’s official website, against all odds, Benghazi might be the place to be this summer after all — and we’re here for it.