The presentation of this edition was made by Abderrafie Zouitene, president of the Esprit de Fès Foundation, on the sidelines of the trip to the French capital of a Moroccan parliamentary delegation led by the president of the Morocco-France friendship group at the Chamber of Advisors, Mohamed Zidouh.
The Esprit de Fez Foundation contributes to promoting the dialogue of cultures and religions, the spirit of tolerance and openness to others in accordance with the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, indicated Mr. Zouitene.
In a world often marked by extremism and the rejection of differences, Morocco and France have always acted and are acting together to disseminate these values, he said, adding that the Fez Festival of Sacred Music of the World and its Forum represent a strong moment of exchange and sharing, which is part of the scholarly, artistic and spiritual tradition of the city of Fez and its Medina, the latter being the most extensive and the largest pedestrian zone in the world, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1981, and which has recently undergone a profound, identical restoration under the leadership of the Sovereign.
Since its advent in this magical medina, this Festival has enjoyed growing success and has been designated by the UN as one of the significant events contributing to the dialogue of civilizations, he said, adding that the event has rallied internationally renowned artists from all walks of life, sharing the quest for the sacred.
This year, the festival will be an opportunity to celebrate the peaceful coexistence of the three religions of the Book, with the participation of more than 200 artists from 18 countries including France, noted Mr. Zouitene, before the screening in front of French senators and members of the Moroccan House of Councilors of an extract from a film on the festival program.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Festival will be held from May 24 to June 1 under the theme “The Quest for the Al-Andalus Spirit”.