this dance stroll animated by Gnaoui rhythms and other folk arts crisscrossed the streets of the old medina of Essaouira,offering an exceptional spectacle to the thousands of festival-goers from the four corners of the world,to celebrate together the launch with great fanfare of this music festival.
Highlighting the richness and diversity of Moroccan folklore, this traditional parade which tells the story of a rich ancestral cultural heritage, set the tone for three days of festivities with memorable evenings and unique encounters.
A true moment of joy and conviviality, this opening took place in the presence of HM the King’s Advisor and founding president of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, André Azoulay, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi bensaid, from the former head of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, from the Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, from the president of the region of Marrakech-Safi, elected officials, the director and producer of the festival, Neila Tazi, and also eminent personalities from various backgrounds.
speaking on this occasion, Mr. Bensaid underlined that the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, which continues to gain notoriety, has given a positive dynamic to this thousand-year-old city, moving from a tourist city to a cultural city by excellence that promotes diversity and intercultural dialog.
Highlighting the importance of this large-scale artistic event on a national and international scale, the minister insisted on the importance of investment in culture, as being a lever in the service of progress and peace.
For her part, Ms.Tazi indicated that the Gnaoua festival has become a historic event testifying to the singularity and diversity of moroccan culture in the global artistic landscape and a true school promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence between cultures.
This cultural event, which has succeeded in highlighting Gnaoua art and culture, attracts renowned artists and a large audience from the four corners of the world, making music a universal language, she underlined.
In this regard, she considered that the registration of Gnaoua culture as UNESCO world intangible heritage represents international recognition of its artistic and cultural value in a country where the cultural and creative industry has become a factor of economic growth, in accordance with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
She further specified that Morocco’s commitment to preserving the national cultural heritage and its international influence reflects the interest that His Majesty the King attaches to the importance of strengthening Moroccan identity and open up to different cultures, adding that this festival has proven that culture is not a luxury, but a real strength and an essential lever for development.
It is, in fact, a prelude to an exceptional parenthesis, where time stops giving way to a rare communion, through which international artists, gnaoua maâlems, young audiences, families, music lovers and foreign visitors live a unique musical and sensory experience in a city that has made tolerance an art of living.
This edition, which lights up the sky of the city of Alizés from June 27 to 29, welcomes more than 400 artists during 53 concerts in total. A rich and avant-garde program, which places fusions at the heart of its program and offers the public a wide range of original music and sound experiments.
This year is no exception to the rule. With headliners never seen before in Morocco, the Gnaoua festival promises memorable nights where feverish sounds from the four corners of the world will sweep over the city of the Trade Winds. Buika (spain), Saint Levant (Palestine), The Brecker Brothers Band Reunion (United States), Labess (France, Algeria) and Bokanté (united States, Guadeloupe) are some of the headliners of this 25th edition .
flamenco, blues, jazz, oriental music, rap, gypsy rumba, chaâbi, etc. The Festival asserts, more than ever, its eclectic character which has established it as an unmissable event in the music world’s agenda.
Alongside the concerts, the 11th edition of the Human Rights Forum of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival will be held, organized in partnership with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad around the current theme “Morocco, Spain, Portugal: a story with a future.”
How can international participation in cultural events enhance global understanding?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cultural Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you engaging discussions with experts from various fields. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Fatima El-Mansouri, a renowned expert in Moroccan cultural heritage and the arts. Dr. El-Mansouri, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Fatima El-Mansouri (FEM): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: recently, the streets of essaouira came alive with a vibrant parade celebrating the opening of a music festival, animated by Gnaoui rhythms and various folk arts. What does this signify for Moroccan culture and the preservation of its heritage?
FEM: The parade is a grand showcase of Morocco’s cultural wealth. By incorporating Gnaoui rhythms, which are deeply rooted in our history, the festival not only entertains but also educates festival-goers about the intricacies of our folklore. It’s a reaffirmation of our identity and an chance to pass on these traditions to future generations.
TNE: Speaking of the audience, it seems the festival attracted visitors from all around the globe. How vital is this international participation for such events?
FEM: Extremely important! When people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate, it fosters a sense of community and understanding. It provides a platform for cultural exchange and allows local artists to shine on an international stage.This kind of interaction promotes respect and gratitude for Moroccan culture worldwide.
TNE: The parade was a moment of joy and conviviality, featuring dignitaries like HM the King’s Advisor and prominent politicians from Spain. How does the involvement of such figures impact the festival?
FEM: Having dignitaries present elevates the event’s prestige and demonstrates the importance of cultural initiatives in policy-making. It sends a strong message that culture is valued and prioritized. Their presence also encourages local communities to engage actively in promoting their heritage and traditions.
TNE: Over the three days of the festival, what kind of experiences can attendees expect to have?
FEM: Attendees can look forward to a myriad of experiences—musical performances that highlight various genres unique to Morocco, workshops that provide hands-on experiences, and opportunities to engage with artists and cultural historians. Each night promises memorable moments, storytelling, and even culinary delights that reflect the diversity of Moroccan culture.
TNE: Lastly, Dr. El-Mansouri, what role do you see festivals like this playing in the global cultural landscape moving forward?
FEM: Festivals like this serve as a vital bridge connecting local traditions to the global community. They are crucial in preserving our heritage while simultaneously adapting to contemporary contexts. As global challenges rise, engaging with our cultural roots through such festivals helps cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious world.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. El-Mansouri, for your insightful perspectives on the importance of cultural celebrations like the one in Essaouira. We appreciate your time and expertise!
FEM: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these vital aspects of our culture with you.