Algé’Rire 2025: Algiers Laughs Loud in Its 7th International Comedy Festival

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering politics.

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Image Source: D. R.

From July 17 to 19, 2025, Algiers transformed into the epicenter of francophone humor as the 7th edition of the International Festival “Algé’Rire” convened at the Boualem-Bessaïh Opera House and the Mahieddine-Bachtarzi National Theater. Under the banner “Dz Spirit,” this milestone edition showcased a dynamic roster of Algerian and international stand-up talents, masterclasses for emerging comedians, and a cultural program designed to cement Algerian humor on the global stage.

Origins and Early Editions (2013–2016)

Algé’Rire was co-founded in 2013 by event producers Tarik Ouhadj and Racim Mahboub, inspired by Morocco’s Marrakech du Rire. Its inaugural edition ran from April 30 to May 4 at the Hilton Algiers Chapiteau, featuring Algerian and Franco-Algerian comedians with Smaïn as godfather, and guest appearances by Jamel Debbouze and Nawell Madani. The festival drew 8,000 attendees and established a template for combining local voices with international stars.

After a two-year hiatus, Algé’Rire Comedy returned in 2015 under the patronage of Algeria’s Ministry of Culture. Ramzy served as godfather, and the festival expanded to two stages at the Palace of Culture Zakaria, presenting 20 artists across nine shows—including a fully female lineup. By 2016, the third edition extended to Tlemcen and Oran, hosting over 60 artists and attracting 25,000 spectators in total.

Revival and International Expansion (2022–2024)

Following political challenges and the global pandemic, Algé’Rire resurfaced in 2022 with performances in Paris’s Théâtre de la République before returning to Algiers in October. This fourth edition marked the festival’s first concerted effort to export Algerian humor to francophone capitals, leveraging diaspora networks and digital outreach to expand its audience beyond North Africa.

Algé’Rire 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

Theme and Vision

Dz Spirit captured the essence of contemporary Algerian identity, blending sharp satire with social commentary. Organizers aimed to “highlight Algerian, African, and international humor” and foster cross-border artistic exchange under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Arts.

Venues and Setting

• July 17, 2025: Boualem-Bessaïh Opera House — Grand opening gala directed by Farid Chamekh

• July 18–19, 2025: Mahieddine-Bachtarzi National Theater — Stand-up showcases, closing night performances

The festival’s choice of historic venues elevated stand-up to an art form, marrying Algeria’s cultural heritage with modern comedic formats.

Lineup and Programming

Algé’Rire 2025 featured over a dozen headliners, including:

• Abdelkader Secteur

• Youness Hanifi

• Ayoub Marceau

• Merwane Benlazar

• Juste Inès

• Farès Barket

• Mouaadh Bennaceur

• Charly Nyobe (Cameroon)

Masterclasses by industry veterans offered workshops on writing, timing, and stagecraft, mentoring the next generation of Algerian comedians.

Casting and Talent Discovery

A nationwide casting tour in June 2025, spanning Constantine, Algiers, and Oran, welcomed 40 aspiring comics. Three finalists earned spots in the exclusive “100 % Dz” closing gala, demonstrating Algé’Rire’s commitment to unearthing regional talent and amplifying diverse voices.

Timeline of Algé’Rire Editions

Year	Edition	Cities	Key Highlights
2013	1st	Algiers	Inaugural festival; Smaïn as godfather; 8,000 attendees
2015	2nd	Algiers	Ramzy as godfather; two-stage format; 100% female show
2016	3rd	Algiers, Tlemcen, Oran	Over 60 artists; 25,000 spectators; Canal Algérie broadcasts
2022	4th	Paris, Algiers	Post-pandemic revival; first Paris stint; focus on diaspora audiences
2025	7th	Algiers (Boualem-Bessaïh, Mahieddine-Bachtarzi)	Dz Spirit; international lineup; masterclasses; national casting tour

Comparing Algé’Rire to Global Comedy Festivals

Festival	Founded	Location(s)	Scope	Unique Angle
Algé’Rire	2013	Algiers (+Paris, Montreal)	Francophone Africa	Fusion of Algerian identity and social satire
Marrakech du Rire	2011	Marrakech	Pan-African, global stars	Celebrity-driven, televised gala
Just for Laughs	1983	Montreal	International comedy market	Industry marketplace, gala performances
Edinburgh Fringe	1947	Edinburgh	Multi-genre arts festival	Largest open-access festival

While Marrakech du Rire capitalizes on celebrity headliners, Algé’Rire distinguishes itself through its roots in Algerian urban culture and its strategic diaspora outreach via Paris and Montreal tours. Its masterclass component parallels Just for Laughs’ talent incubator but with a distinctly regional focus.

Cultural Impact and Significance

Algé’Rire has become a vehicle for soft power and cultural diplomacy, projecting a modern, pluralistic image of Algeria. The festival nurtures comedic talent, stimulates creative industries, and fosters dialogue on social issues—from youth unemployment to gender norms—through the universal language of laughter. By engaging Algerian expatriates and francophone audiences abroad, Algé’Rire strengthens cultural ties and enhances Algeria’s visibility on the global arts stage.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Looking ahead, Algé’Rire aims to:

• Expand digital streaming and on-demand content to reach diaspora communities worldwide.

• Introduce year-round comedy labs in major Algerian cities to sustain talent pipelines.

• Forge partnerships with international festivals for artist exchanges and co-productions.

With post-2025 tours slated for Paris and Montreal, the festival is poised to evolve from a national showcase into a cornerstone of global francophone comedy.

The 7th edition of Algé’Rire reaffirmed Algeria’s status as a rising hub of stand-up innovation, marrying tradition with comedic risk-taking. From its modest 2013 debut to its 2025 international footprint, the festival’s journey reflects broader cultural shifts: the empowerment of local voices, the harnessing of diaspora networks, and comedy’s potency as a tool for social reflection. As Algé’Rire charts its next chapter, it remains a testament to the enduring power of humor to connect, challenge, and inspire.