The opening ceremony, marking the festival's return after a three-year absence, was attended by Batna’s Governor Riadh Benahmed, the festival’s commissioner Abdallah Bougandoura, and numerous artists and cultural figures.

Bougandoura emphasized, in an address delivered on this occasion, that the artistic program will be animated by singers and artists known at the national, Arab and African levels, "in order to elevate this event to the place it deserves at the national, Arab, and African levels."

He added that Timgad is "not merely a venue for artistic performances, but a means of showcasing heritage and promoting Algeria as a destination whose civilization runs deep through history."

Among this year's goals, Bougandoura said, are creating platforms for international cultural exchange by inviting groups and artists from various countries, boosting the local economy through increased trade and services throughout the festival, and strengthening the festival's digital presence by streaming its evening performances on dedicated platforms.

Traditional music took center stage at Timgad open-air theatre, with the "Thaziri" troupe from Batna's Rahaba region captivating the audience with authentic folk pieces, followed by a ballet performance from the National Office of Culture and Information (ONCI) that added a touch of magic to the evening with its varied tableaux.

Cheb Mami's appearance stole the show. The "Prince of Raï" electrified the audience, performing a string of his greatest hits as the crowd sang along in unison, in a moment of shared joy and excitement.

Running through July 13, the festival's program will give audiences the chance to enjoy some of Algeria's most famous artists, including Houari Benchenet, Hamid Belbeche, Nadia Guerfi, and the group Tikoubaouine, alongside performers from Tunisia, Syria, Mauritania and Chad.

43rd Timgad International Festival kicks off in Batna