Stories Without Borders: Introducing Omar Belaarej
At this year’s Listowel International Storytelling Festival, voices from around the world will join Kerry’s own tradition of tale-telling. Among them is Moroccan storyteller Omar Belaarej, a rising star whose gift for weaving ancient tales across languages makes him a bridge between cultures.
From the mountains of Morocco to international stages, Omar has brought audiences on journeys filled with wisdom, humour, and heart. He tells in English, Arabic, and Tamazight, ensuring his stories reach and resonate with listeners far and wide. More than a performer, he is a cultural ambassador—sharing not only Morocco’s rich storytelling heritage but also the universal lessons and joys hidden in every tale.
Omar Belaarej is a young and gifted storyteller who captivates audiences with his remarkable talent. He brings ancient Moroccan tales to life, weaving stories rich with wisdom, morals, and cultural heritage. What sets Omar apart is his ability to tell stories in multiple languages—English, Arabic, and Tamazight—enabling him to connect with diverse audiences from all walks of life.
His storytelling is deeply rooted in Moroccan traditions, offering valuable life lessons for listeners of all ages. Whether recounting thrilling adventures or exploring the deeper meanings behind old proverbs, Omar breaks through language barriers to share the timeless power of stories. His energy, charisma, and love for his cultural roots make him one of the most promising storytellers of his generation.
As both a storyteller and a dedicated volunteer, Omar has had the privilege of sharing stories in schools and communities, using storytelling as a tool to inspire, educate, and bring people together. Following the recent earthquake, he collaborated with the British Moroccan Society (BMS), traveling to remote villages where he told stories in his native language, Tamazight, and also served as a translator.
In 2025, he participated in the 3rd Edition of the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival, where he led storytelling workshops in schools—including those for children with disabilities—and worked with community associations. Through these experiences, he witnessed firsthand the power of storytelling to educate, heal, and preserve cultural identity, which further fuelled his passion for connecting with people through stories.
Omar also made history as one of the storytellers who set the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous storytelling session—lasting an incredible 80 hours, 32 minutes, and 58 seconds.
This September, Omar will be a guest storyteller at the Listowel International Storytelling Festival 2025, sharing Moroccan tales and traditions across a range of events:
- Stories from Around the World on Culture Night, Friday 19th September at 7.30pm in Kerry Writers’ Museum.
- Magic Carpets on Saturday 20th September at 2.30pm in Kerry Writers’ Museum.
- Community storytelling sessions and informal gatherings throughout the festival.
Audiences in Listowel will have the chance to experience Omar’s unique storytelling style — blending humour, wisdom and cultural heritage — while also joining him in celebrating the universal power of stories to connect people across languages, borders and traditions.