An exhibition titled Vive la mariée ! (« Congratulations! ») is currently on display at the Institut du monde arabe in Paris. It explores the rich and diverse wedding traditions of North Africa through contemporary art and cultural artifacts. The exhibition runs from 29 September 2026 to 28 February 2027, and includes a wide range of items such as wedding dresses, jewelry, photographs, and artworks from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. These artifacts provide insight into the region’s cultural heritage and the significance of marriage in North African societies. One of the key themes of the exhibition is the hammam ritual, a traditional pre-wedding purification ceremony where the bride prepares with friends and family, often accompanied by music and praise. The exhibition features items from this ritual, including water basins and silver repoussé slippers, which were lent by the Dar Cheraït museum in Tozeur, Tunisia. These objects highlight the symbolic use of henna, which is applied in various colors depending on the mixture and the time it is left on the skin. Moroccan artist Khadija El Abyad has created a unique installation using sculpted henna, incorporating common patterns found in traditional wedding henna designs. The exhibition also showcases traditional wedding attire, such as a Kel Ajjer outfit from Djanet in Algeria, a velvet caftan from Sousse in Tunisia, and a set from Tetouan in Morocco. These garments reflect the regional variations in dress, from the caftans of Annaba to the velvet gandouras of Constantine. Jewelry is presented as a symbol of social status and family connections, often received as a dowry. The exhibition also emphasizes the celebratory aspects of weddings, including the offering of foods such as couscous, dates, milk, and eggs, believed to bring baraka, or divine blessing. In addition to these traditional elements, the exhibition includes contemporary artworks that reflect on the cultural and political dimensions of marriage and family life in North Africa. Artist Sophia Kacimi, also known as Zoubida, has created a seating arrangement made from “sugar cubes” covered in velvet and brocade, accompanied by five embroidered canopies. Another featured artist, Franco-Tunisian Shourouk Rhaiem, has transformed family photographs with old fabrics, Nabeul embroidery, sequins, and Swarovski crystals. The exhibition also touches on the complex family codes of the Maghreb, which include practices such as polygamy and repudiation, and how these have influenced feminist movements seeking greater equality. To complement the exhibition, a banquet-concert will be held, featuring singer Camélia Jordana. She will be married at the Institut du monde arabe on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at 8:00 PM. Details and reservations for this event can be found on the Institut du monde arabe website.