Algeria Hosts First Edition of “Cirta Festival of Equestrian Heritage” in Ain Abid

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Over 1,000 Riders from Five Arab Nations Unite for the First Tent-Pegging Championship in Algerian History

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Algiers, Algeria | June 19th, 2025 — In a landmark celebration of Arab heritage and equestrian tradition, Algeria officially inaugurated the first edition of the “Cirta Festival of Equestrian Heritage” in Ain Abid, Constantine, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of traditional sports in the country. The festival, which runs until June 28, 2025, brings together more than 90 riders from five Arab nations—Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman—to compete in the tent-pegging discipline for the first time ever on Algerian soil.

Organized under the banner of the Algerian Equestrian Federation (FAE) and spearheaded by the “Etoile de l’Est” or ‘ the Star of the East’ equestrian club, the event is the first of its kind in Algeria and signals the country’s growing commitment to reviving traditional equestrian sports with deep historical and cultural roots.

Tent-Pegging: An Arab Heritage Reclaimed

Described as a sport that combines precision, equestrian spirit, and centuries-old heritage, tent-pegging involves riders galloping at full speed to spear ground targets using lances or swords. Recognized by the International Tent Pegging Federation, the discipline has gained significant traction across the Arab world and is now making its debut in Algeria with international-standard tracks and regulatory compliance.

In his address to the press, Faouzi Sahraoui, President of the Algerian Equestrian Federation, emphasized the transformative potential of this event. “This is a strategic opportunity for Algeria and the region to develop this ancestral sport, to train a new generation of riders, and to place Algeria among the top Arab and international contenders in equestrian championships,” he said. He further noted that tent-pegging now enjoys full recognition from international authorities and is part of major competitive circuits.

A Regional Platform for Cultural and Athletic Exchange

Adding to the festival’s depth, Ibrahim Rahmani Mohamed El Hadi, head of the tent-pegging division within the FAE, highlighted the dual athletic and cultural dimensions of the event. “Beyond sport, this competition allows for the exchange of knowledge and experience between countries, helping to lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration between clubs and national federations,” he noted.

The 2025 Cirta Festival aims to institutionalize the sport, integrate it into training curricula, and encourage the organization of future continental tournaments. This initiative aligns with Algeria’s national vision of reviving traditional sports as vehicles for cultural diplomacy and youth engagement.

International Praise and Recognition

Among the international experts present was Rachid Bin Hamad Al-Merri, a specialist trainer from Saudi Arabia and member of the International Tent Pegging Federation, who praised the initiative and infrastructure: “Building a proper track that meets international standards is no small feat, especially in North Africa. Constantine, thanks to the efforts of Etoile de l’Est, is now on the map as a regional hub for this sport.”

Al-Merri further emphasized the technical rigor and athletic prowess required in tent-pegging, noting that it demands exceptional coordination, speed, and horse control, making it one of the most sophisticated equestrian disciplines.

Alongside the competition, the festival features a rich schedule of equine-related workshops, including endurance riding, horse care, equine aesthetics, and a national show-jumping contest gathering over 1,000 riders—male and female—demonstrating the vibrancy and diversity of Algeria’s equestrian scene.

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