Timimoun hosts first festival of hot-air balloons and giant kites

Timimoun, in the Red Oasis of Algeria's Sahara, will host its first international festival of hot-air balloons and giant kites from 28 October to 2 November.

Algérie 360 reported the event, citing an announcement carried by the Algeria Press Service. More than 70 participants are expected, and the event aims to promote desert tourism alongside air sports and local heritage.

Mourad Benhalima, commissioner general of the event, said foreign delegations will take part. He said giant kites from 20 countries and hot-air balloons from 30 countries are expected.

These figures cover the delegations in each discipline, and some countries may take part in both, so they do not mean 50 separate countries.

Programme

The main activity is six days of flights, kite displays and workshops, starting on Wednesday, 28 October. That day includes the welcome for teams, an opening ceremony and a hot-air balloon presented in the colours of the Algerian flag.

On Thursday, 29 October, the first flights take place at sunrise, with giant kite displays. Workshops for children, run with local associations, will teach kite-making that day.

That evening, hot-air balloons held on the ground will be lit up in a night show. On Friday, 30 October, tourist agencies plan hot-air balloon rides at sunrise, and representatives of the Algerian Federation of Air Sports will present different air sports. A desert evening with dinner and a camp is also planned.

On Saturday, 31 October, the plan includes a 4×4 trip through the dunes, a desert barbecue and a kite contest for children. On Sunday, 1 November, the final air events and a closing ceremony take place, with light shows and fireworks. The festival coincides with the celebrations of 1 November. The delegations leave on Monday, 2 November.

Visitors

Guided tours are planned so that national and foreign tourists can explore the region. Yamina Temam, director of tourism and crafts of Timimoun wilaya, welcomed the event. She said it would help hotels, craft workshops and local shops.

The official registration page is aimed mainly at pilots, crew and kite flyers. It says that some costs, including transport, accommodation and meals, are covered for registered teams. This does not mean the services for the general public are free.

The official information did not confirm visitor prices or whether hot-air balloon rides for the public will be available.

Weather and timing

The timetable is a forecast, and the air activities may depend on weather conditions, especially wind. The event is held under the patronage of the wali (governor) of Timimoun, with the local directorate of youth and sports and the event agency Riah wa Taslia.

Travel agencies report strong demand, and some 4×4 trips and stays are already fully booked for the period.