BY: Dr. Hana Saada
First Edition of the Festival Revives Ancestral Traditions and Honors Culinary Excellence
Algiers, Algeria | April 26th, 2025 — In an atmosphere filled with joy and perfumed with the rich scent of tradition, the curtain fell on the first edition of the Algerian Couscous Festival, held on April 11–12, 2025, at the Laurassi Hotel. Organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industries and brought to life by ABYS Travel Agency, the festival marked a vibrant homage to Algeria’s cultural soul.
A Dish That Tells the Story of a Nation
Throughout the two-day event, couscous transcended its identity as a simple dish to become a living symbol of Algerian memory, evoking the spirit of ancestral villages, the warmth of family gatherings, and the wisdom of grandmothers. Reflecting this sentiment, Sabrina Khalifa, the event’s Media Officer, remarked:
“Couscous is not merely food — it is a story passed down through generations. This festival rekindled childhood memories and created a bridge between the past and present, in a beautiful festive ambiance.”
A Jury Seasoned with Expertise
Presiding over the distinguished jury was renowned hospitality expert Amin Ould Ali, accompanied by culinary figures such as Chef Slimane Saadoune, expert Lyes Didaoui, and chefs Nassira Facih and Sheherazade Loudadj, all lending their seasoned expertise to the competition.
A Tribute to Authenticity and Craftsmanship
The festival also featured a bustling exhibition where local enterprises showcased traditional products related to couscous preparation. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of artisanal couscous-making by Algerian women dressed in traditional attire, reinforcing the authentic spirit of the celebration.
Supported by Partners Committed to Excellence
The 2025 Algerian Couscous Festival was proudly supported by leading brands including:
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Couscous MAMA
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Force Xpress
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Ifri
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Hamoud Boualem
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La Gazelle d’Or Hotel
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Côtex
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Flan Nouara
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Farina El Makam ‘Flour’
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VMS
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Hodna
Their sponsorship underscored the collective commitment to preserving and promoting Algerian culinary heritage.
Honoring Creativity and Excellence
The festival culminated in an awards ceremony honoring creativity and excellence across several categories:
🏆 Home Cooks:
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1st Place: Linda Hammami
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2nd Place: Yamina Ben Massoud
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3rd Place: Samira Ben Toumi
🏆 Culinary Schools:
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1st Place: Pyramids School
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2nd Place: Saguia Cooking School
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3rd Place: Hospitality and Tourism Training School – Boulafkhad Group
🏆 Hotels:
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1st Place: La Gazelle d’Or Hotel
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2nd Place: Saldae Hotel of Béjaïa
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3rd Place: Sheraton Hotel of Annaba
🏆 Catering Services:
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1st Place: Jugurtha Lunch Catering
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2nd Place: Chennit Catering
🏆 Restaurants:
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1st Place: Le Légendaire Restaurant
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2nd Place: Taqimit n Tizefri Restaurant
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3rd Place: Boulafkhad Restaurant
Couscous: The Pulse of Algerian Identity
Beyond competition and celebration, the festival underscored a profound truth: couscous is more than a meal; it is an emblem of national unity, social cohesion, and timeless heritage. Through this exceptional gathering, Algeria reaffirmed that the safeguarding of heritage begins with its revival and reinterpretation for future generations — a modern homage that faithfully preserves the spirit of authenticity.
