The first edition of the Boustilah Festival for Agriculture, Development, Culture, and Heritage was launched yesterday evening at the Boustilah administrative center, under the supervision of His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Mr. Oummem Ould Bibateh, and His Excellency the Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, Mr. El Houssein Ould Medou, in the presence of the Governor of the Eastern Hodh Region, Mr. Islamou Ould Sidi.

The festival will last three days, featuring a diverse program including a Quran memorization and recitation competition, a traditional archery championship, an exhibition of agricultural equipment, traditional crafts, and local dishes, as well as an open health day offering free consultations and medicines to local residents.

The festival also includes various cultural and artistic segments such as poetry, folklore, and lectures reflecting the richness of local heritage.

This event, which attracted a large turnout from various actors and the general public, will invigorate the cultural scene and play a leading role in boosting domestic tourism, with positive economic impacts on the local population.

During the festival opening, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty highlighted its importance and timely organization during a promising autumn season, affirming that the festival and its outcomes will have a significant impact on agricultural production and domestic tourism.

The Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament reviewed the cultural uniqueness of the region, characterized by its history of horsemanship and Islamic education centers, as well as the important geographic location of Boustilah. He also emphasized the pioneering role of women in the Boustilah administrative center, noting that the mayor was a woman and the first female parliamentarian came from Boustilah.

He pointed out that the official presence at the festival reflects the high interest of His Excellency the President of the Republic in this region and confirmed that archaeological research will be resumed in Boustilah.

Both the President of the Eastern Hodh Region, Mr. Mohamed Ould Tijani, and the Deputy of the Timbédra district, Mr. Sidi Lemine Ould Amim, affirmed that the festival represents a great opportunity to discover nature and support agriculture, appreciating this type of festival that embodies the vision of His Excellency the President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani in highlighting developmental potentials.

The festival president, Mr. Sheikh Ba Demba, highlighted the festival’s uniqueness and its role in consolidating values of solidarity and integration among community components, as well as preserving cultural heritage and promoting breeders and farmers, positively reflecting on the local economy.

The festival activities are expected to conclude with the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions organized within its framework.