November 1, 1954 is an important date in Algeria. It is a day during which Algerians commemorate the outbreak of the national revolution which led to the country’s independence in 1962.
In Canada and in particular in Montreal, the Algerian diaspora has organized itself, paying tribute to the Algerian revolution of national liberation this Sunday, November 1, 2026 through the Books and Memory event.
This meeting, which was organized jointly by Regards Croisés Canada and the Diaspora Book Fair at the Maison du Citoyen, offered visitors the opportunity to meet in a friendly exchange setting for the whole family.
Led by Doctor Brahim Benyoucef and the entire organizing team, this initiative allows the new generation to become familiar with the history and memory of the host land.
One year later the first edition of 2025, this new event pays a vibrant literary and artistic tribute to the heroes of the Algerian revolution.
Books, theater and songs unite young and old in a welcoming land
Draped in the colors of Algeria, the space was furnished with numerous objects, including artifacts and traditional decorations. The atmosphere being festive, we could come across women and children wearing traditional clothing.
On site, visitors wandered through the different stands and discovered the works of authors from the diaspora on various themes as well as that of the revolution. Among the authors present, Salima Saadi, Bahia Kiared, Soraya Aliouche Karboua, Shah Jehan Ashrafi, Chafik Ghenai and Tewfik Bekkouche who took part in a round table discussion on the theme of revolution.
Several activities were offered, in this room which periodically broadcast Algerian patriotic songs.
Different speakers took turns throughout the day to deliver testimonies and read some poems. The notable moment will remain that of young Sérine’s reading of the poem Algeria, land of martyrs (poem written by her mother).
Madame Salima Sadi, who signs her works under the pen name Oli Vam, for her part proposed to create with the public a collective work entitled The Nest of Fire. Reception class teacher, Madame Sadi, also engaged in a little reading where she was surrounded by young children.
The end of this day was full of emotions and closed with the performance of a theatrical play with young children. Directed by Madame Soraya Aliouche, the play paid tribute to the Algerian activist and nurse Malika Gaïd (1933-1957) who was killed by French troops during the Algerian War.
Reda Benkoula
Salon Books and memory tribute to the Algerian revolution Montreal November 1, 2026
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 round table of authors
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 Salima Sadi
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 Play
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 Soraya Aliouche
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 Interview with Dr. Brahim Benyoucef
Books & memory tribute to the Algerian revolution November 1, 2026 Algeria land of marthyrs poem