Fez Hosts a Unique Festival Celebrating Moroccan Spiritual Heritage
The city of Fez, renowned for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is currently hosting the 18th edition of a festival that aims to bridge Moroccan spiritual traditions with global wisdom. Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this festival seeks to explore the profound role of poetry and beauty in a world marked by wounds and tribulations. The festivities commenced with a captivating musical performance at Bab al-Makina, featuring Andalusian Arabic chants presented by the Harraqiya troupe, under the evocative title "Paths of Spiritual Love." This enchanting event saw the participation of the artistic and auditory group Harraqiya, led by Youssef Al-Husseini, alongside the talented artist Nabila Ma'an and Spanish artist Vincent Munoz Guillo.
The festival president, Fawzi Al-Saqli, expressed pride in launching this year's events, highlighting the Harraqiya Zawiya as a prominent center of great Sufi traditions in Morocco. He emphasized the festival's focus on divine love and the intricate meanings associated with Sufi experiences. The opening ceremony beautifully merged the poetic expressions of Harraqiya's tradition with Nabila Ma'an's artistic contributions, creating a rich tapestry of Sufi poetry that transported the audience through various artistic interpretations and meanings.
Al-Saqli further remarked that the festival provides a unique opportunity to explore the streets and spaces of Fez, a city revered for its profound Sufi cultural history, often referred to by Sufis as the "Zawiya." This event invites attendees to delve into the depth of the city’s cultural, civilizational, and spiritual secrets. Youssef Al-Husseini, the leader of the Harraqiya group, noted that the presented artistic work harmoniously blends traditional music with flamenco, aiming to convey that genuine art knows no borders. He emphasized that music can serve as a universal language that celebrates love, coexistence, and freedom among peoples.
The festival will continue on Sunday with performances by Shoaib Aftab, who will present models of Pakistani Sufi chanting that evoke the works of poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. On October 21, artist Ustad Waseefuddin Dagar will present "The Breath of Eternity," dedicated to the ancient Indian singing art of "Dhrupad" from Northern India. On October 23, spiritual anthems will resonate in the gardens of Jnan al-Sabil, featuring Daoud Konati from Ivory Coast and Enris Kinami from Albania, followed by the artistic work "Journey from East to West" with Marwan Hajji.
The program also includes various artistic encounters, including a collaborative piece by Tristan Dreysens and the Luthobia group, featuring Ariana Saval in singing and harp playing, inspired by the Sufi hymns of Hildegard von Bingen. Additionally, the performance "Ibn al-Khatib and the City of Love" will showcase the talents of Francoise Atlan and Kamal Hafiz. On October 22, audiences can look forward to the performance "Bach and Rumi," featuring Leila Anwar and Claire Antonini, which will highlight the intersection of artistic and spiritual worlds, delving into the depths of internal experiences.
The festival will also feature exhibitions by Odile Guinan and Marie Borsho, along with a screening of the film "Builders of the Red City" by director Isabel Fernandez. Roundtable discussions will provide a platform to reflect on various topics, such as "Can Beauty Save the World?", "Rumi: A Search for Healing", and "Transformative Trials in Major Sacred Texts", among others. The festival will culminate on the evening of October 24 with a closing event titled "Ecstasies," blending Andalusian Arabic sounds with the whirling dervishes of Aleppo, featuring the talents of Wassim Arslan, Anas Al-Attar, and Nour Al-Din Al-Tahiri.
From Bab al-Makina to the gardens of Jnan al-Sabil, passing through the bustling market of the Sarmarine and other meeting spaces in the city, the 18th edition of this festival aims to offer both Moroccan and international audiences a cultural experience rooted in communication, listening, and transforming the way we perceive the world.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
