The second edition of the Tembembah Festival for Culture, Arts, and Tourism was launched in L'ayoun city, Mauritania, on September 20, 2026. The festival, which will run for two days, was inaugurated by Mauritania's Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Hussein Ould Medou. The event seeks to showcase the region's tourism potential, foster social cohesion, and promote cultural and artistic awareness.

In his opening speech, Minister Ould Medou emphasized that the festival's location in a region with significant historical and cultural importance will help raise awareness about its cultural and social heritage. He added that the festival embodies the region's rich cultural and artistic diversity, highlighting the importance of culture, arts, and tourism in preserving national identity and driving local development.

The festival's organizers aim to promote Mauritania's diverse cultural and natural heritage, with a focus on the region's unique traditions, arts, and customs. The event features various activities, including cultural performances, art exhibitions, and tourism-related events. Minister Ould Medou praised the festival's organizers, local authorities, and stakeholders for their efforts in making the event a success.

L'ayoun city's Mayor, Sidi Mohamed Ould Bekay, commended the festival's organization, which he believes will contribute to preserving the region's cultural heritage and showcasing its tourism potential. The festival's president, Sheikh Ould Seyed Ahel, expressed gratitude for the high-level support from Mauritania's President, who encouraged citizens to spend their holidays and practice tourism within the country.

Sheikh Ould Seyed Ahel called for the establishment of a tourism institute in L'ayoun city, which would provide young people with training and specialization opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and related fields. The institute would also help create new job opportunities and stimulate local economic growth. The festival was attended by various dignitaries, including the Wali of the Western Hodh region, the governor of L'ayoun province, and several cultural and artistic stakeholders.

The Tembembah Festival for Culture, Arts, and Tourism aims to promote Mauritania's rich cultural diversity and tourism potential, both locally and internationally. The event provides a platform for artists, cultural stakeholders, and tourism professionals to network, share experiences, and promote their work. The festival's second edition is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the country's cultural and artistic development.

The festival's program includes various activities, such as traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and workshops on cultural and artistic practices. The event also features tourism-related events, including presentations on local tourism potential and investment opportunities. Overall, the Tembembah Festival for Culture, Arts, and Tourism is an important event that showcases Mauritania's cultural and artistic richness and promotes its tourism potential.

Key points

  • The festival aims to promote regional tourism and cultural heritage.
  • The event was inaugurated by Mauritania's Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament.
  • The festival's president called for the establishment of a tourism institute in L'ayoun city.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.