From April 11 to 13, the literary spotlight in Paris will turn to Morocco, as the country takes center stage at this year’s Paris Book Festival. Held beneath the soaring glass canopy of the Grand Palais Éphémère, Morocco’s 330-square-meter pavilion promises more than just a display of books—it offers a vivid, multisensory journey into the heart of a culture that bridges tradition and modernity.
Far from a conventional exhibit, the Moroccan pavilion has been designed as a full cultural immersion, inspired by the sea—a symbol of memory, openness, and sustainable futures. The space will host around 40 publishing houses and an impressive lineup of authors from across Morocco, blending literary icons with bold new voices.
Festivalgoers will have the chance to engage directly with Moroccan writers through panels, roundtables, and conversations that dive into themes such as the Francophone world, the oral storytelling tradition, and the intersections between literature, history, and contemporary society. Special tributes will honor two literary giants: Edmond Amran El Maleh and Driss Chraïbi, whose groundbreaking works continue to shape Morocco’s intellectual landscape.
This year’s invitation comes at a defining moment for Moroccan literature. The country’s literary scene is booming, driven by dynamic publishers and a multilingual output that spans Arabic, Amazigh, French, and English. This linguistic diversity is more than a stylistic choice—it reflects a layered national identity constantly engaging with global ideas.
The pavilion’s design reflects this rich tapestry through five themed areas:
The “Maritime History” section will offer an evocative exploration of Morocco’s Atlantic and Mediterranean heritage, featuring ancient maps, sailor narratives, and rare archival materials that highlight the country’s deep-rooted connection to the sea.
The “Hiwar” space—meaning dialogue—will serve as a lively forum where authors, editors, and readers can engage in open, spontaneous exchange. It’s a space built for conversation, where ideas can collide and flourish.
The “Dedication” area provides an intimate setting where readers can connect one-on-one with authors through book signings and personal interaction.
A dedicated “Youth” section will invite young readers into an imaginative, colorful world filled with storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, and discussions with children’s book authors—all designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Finally, the “Publishers and Bookstore” area will showcase the vibrancy of Moroccan literary production, offering visitors a curated selection of titles available for purchase and discovery.
Morocco’s presence at the Paris Book Festival is more than symbolic. It’s a powerful declaration of cultural vitality and literary ambition. By highlighting the diversity of its voices, the depth of its maritime heritage, and the energy of its rising generation, Morocco is carving out a unique place for itself in the global literary conversation.
For anyone passionate about literature, storytelling, and cultural exchange, this celebration of Moroccan creativity is a must-see event—an invitation to experience a country where the written word is as rooted as it is forward-looking.
