Morocco’s rich storytelling tradition will be on full display in the French capital next month.
Fez – The prestigious Paris Book Festival, taking place this year from April 11 to April 13, has officially revealed its program dedicated to Morocco – this year’s guest of honor.
Taking center stage under the iconic Grand Palais dome, the Moroccan pavilion will span 330 square meters, offering an immersive journey into the country’s literary and cultural landscape.
With a diverse lineup of authors and publishers, the pavilion is set to showcase the dynamism and depth of Moroccan literature, bridging tradition and modernity.
Designed as an “invitation to travel and discovery,” the pavilion draws inspiration from the sea, a symbol of Morocco’s rich maritime heritage and its forward-looking vision of sustainability and innovation.
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with renowned Moroccan writers, participate in panel discussions exploring the intersections of literature, history, and society, and attend conversations on Francophone literature and the oral tradition’s influence on contemporary writing.
The festival organizers remarked in a press release that Morocco’s flourishing publishing scene, driven by dynamic publishing houses that play a pivotal role in elevating Moroccan literature on the global stage.
With works published in Arabic, Amazigh, French, and English, these publishers contribute to the international recognition of Moroccan voices.
The pavilion will feature around 40 publishing houses, creating an immersive space that celebrates Morocco’s literary diversity.
The festival will have a carefully curated selection of established authors and emerging voices to put on display the country’s multifaceted identity, shaped by a blend of cultural and linguistic influences.
Additionally, the festival will pay tribute to literary pioneers such as Edmond Amran El Maleh and Driss Chraïbi, whose works have left an indelible mark on Moroccan thought and literature.
The Moroccan pavilion will be structured around five distinct spaces, each offering a unique experience:
Maritime History Space: A deep dive into Morocco’s seafaring past, featuring ancient maps, historical documents, and explorer narratives that highlight the country’s Atlantic and Mediterranean legacies.
Hiwar Space: A dynamic venue for dialogue and exchange between authors, publishers, and the public.
Signing Space: A dedicated area where visitors can meet authors and collect signed copies of their works.
Youth Space: A vibrant, interactive environment designed for young readers, featuring storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and children’s book authors to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Publishers and Bookstore Space: A hub for discovering, discussing, and purchasing Moroccan literature, where visitors can explore a curated selection of books and engage with publishers.
As Morocco takes the spotlight at this prestigious literary event, the festival promises to be an exchange of ideas, further introducing Moroccan culture to the French people and honoring its past while embracing its evolving literary future.
