Fes to Host the 29th World Sacred Music Festival
The administration of the Fes World Sacred Music Festival has announced that from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, the spiritual capital of Morocco will transform into the spiritual and artistic heart of the world for the festival's 29th edition. This event is organized under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Morocco under the theme "Fes and the Masters, Guardians of Craft and Heritage." This year's festival aims to honor the pivotal role of artisans and masters of the arts, whose often-overlooked contributions have been foundational to the history of Fes and, by extension, Morocco. Their impact on the development of exceptional sites and their dedication to passing on skills to future generations will be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship as a vital part of the cultural radiance of our noble kingdom.
International Recognition and Diverse Programming
Abdelrafeh Zewitene, the president of the "Spirit of Fes" foundation, stated that the 2026 edition serves as a clear acknowledgment of the masters’ role as custodians of our collective heritage, both in spirit and practice. Through their efforts, we celebrate not only our traditions but also a commitment to passing on beauty and sustaining a legacy that elevates humanity. The festival has gained international acclaim over the years as the premier event for ancient music, successfully establishing itself as a bridge between cultures and spiritualities. Recently, it was awarded the prestigious 'Mercurio Alato' prize, Italy's highest honor for cultural diplomacy, recognizing its unique commitment to fostering cultural dialogue through art and music.
This year’s festival promises a wealth of new experiences, featuring four performance venues, over 160 artists, and 18 musical performances. The 29th edition will offer a packed program over four days, enriching the audience's experience with morning concerts designed to provide memorable and enjoyable moments of discovery. The detailed festival program is now available on the official website, showcasing a blend of unique creations and spiritual encounters with prominent artists from around the globe.
Opening on Thursday, June 4 at 9 PM at Bab Makina, the grand inaugural concert will be themed "From Heaven to Earth," a poetic celebration of the hidden spirit of traditional craftsmanship.
In alignment with its role as a major cultural partnership facilitator for the kingdom, the festival will also host the performance titled 'Bodies' by German-Australian artist Kat Franke, along with seven female singers, on the evening of Friday, June 5 at Bab Makina. This contemporary sound creation will engage in dialogue with voices from Lebanon, Morocco, and India, showcasing the richness of female expressions from both the East and the West, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Rabat.
Additionally, to foster a connection with younger generations, this edition will introduce the 'Hands Breath' award to highlight and encourage young talents, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and creativity. The award aims to ensure the continuity of the skill transfer and heritage celebrated by the festival.
The cultural facet of the festival includes a new forum that will address the relationship between science and traditional arts, emphasizing the role of the artist or craftsman as a poet of the craft, and a mediator between the visible and the invisible, particularly through the geometric forms of zellige, exploring the spiritual dimension of this ancient art.
There will also be artistic exhibitions at historical venues during the festival, offering visitors a refined perspective to listen to the rhythms and warmth of the celebrated materials. As the Fes World Sacred Music Festival prepares to write a new chapter in its history, it promises an extraordinary encounter with the spirit of Fes, showcasing craftsmanship in all its glory.
As reported by hespress.com.
