Marrakech, known for its rich cultural heritage, recently hosted a vibrant artistic evening dedicated to the age-old tradition of flower water distillation. This event was part of the 14th edition of the "Zahra Marrakech" festival, which continues until April 12. Organized by the "Mounia" Association, the event aimed to revive and preserve Morocco's invaluable cultural heritage.
During this cultural celebration, artist Mohammed Bajdoub, accompanied by the "Mounia Marrakech Orchestra", enchanted attendees with a selection of Andalusian music and traditional melodies. One of the highlights of the evening was the ceremonial procession dedicated to the distillation of flower water, which captivated a diverse audience, showcasing the symbolic essence of this cherished practice.
The evening took place in a traditional riad, intended to breathe new life into a deeply rooted cultural tradition while raising awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage among younger generations. By reviving this practice in an authentic architectural setting, the riad transformed into a genuine space for cultural exchange and direct learning, far removed from institutional confines.
This initiative not only contributes to safeguarding this precious heritage but also infuses it with a contemporary, humanistic, and friendly dimension. The traditional architectural beauty of the riad, adorned with trees, fountains, and intricate tile work, provided an ideal backdrop for evoking the authentic atmospheres reminiscent of ancient homes where such practices were integral to daily life.
In a statement during the event, Jaafar Kanasoussi, the director of "Zahra Marrakech", emphasized the strong symbolic significance of flower water distillation for the residents of this historic city. He noted that it embodies values of heritage and solidarity deeply etched in Moroccan culture, as evident in this traditional ceremony. Karim Ait Berrik, the artistic director of the cultural event, highlighted the efforts of the "Mounia" Association in preserving this intangible heritage while balancing the preservation of authenticity with openness to creativity. He remarked, "Thanks to such initiatives, this tradition remains alive, not merely as a relic of the past, but as a continually renewing practice.”
The evening also included moments of recognition for notable figures in their respective fields, including architect Rashid Al-Huda and Idriss Al-Sawabni, a pioneer in the art of praise, acknowledging their contributions to preserving and enhancing national cultural heritage. The 14th edition of "Zahra Marrakech," organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and the Marrakech Municipal Council, features a rich and diverse cultural program. This includes practical workshops on distillation rituals at educational institutions and symbolic locations across the city, such as Dar Sharifa, city gardens, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the Farid Belkahia Museum, along with literary meetings and a conference on implementing the new law concerning heritage protection in Morocco, as well as artistic nights.
It is noteworthy that since 2022, "Zahra Marrakech" has been included in the lists of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) as a cultural heritage site in the Islamic world.
As reported by maghribona24.com.
