The vibrant city of Marrakech is gearing up to welcome the 55th edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts, a major cultural event scheduled to take place from July 2 to July 6, 2026. This year's festival carries the theme "Popular Arts: Treasures of Yesterday and Today," emphasizing the essential role this annual gathering plays in showcasing the richness of Morocco's diverse heritage and renewing the commitment to its unique cultural treasures.
The festival is expected to feature an impressive array of traditional artistic groups hailing from various regions of the kingdom, creating a panoramic representation of Moroccan identity. Attendees can look forward to a variety of performances, including the "Ahidous" dances rooted in the Atlas Mountains, the soulful rhythms of "Gnawa" music, artistic expressions from "Tiskwiin" in Souss, and the captivating displays of "Abidat Rma," among other art forms that document the rich collective memory of the Moroccan people.
Dr. Mohamed Khnidri, president of the organizing association, the High Atlas Cultural Association, highlighted that this event serves as a dynamic space for cultural diversity by bringing together artistic expressions from various geographical and linguistic backgrounds. He noted that this edition will witness a record participation of between 700 to 800 artists, spread across approximately 65 to 70 of the nation's top ensembles.
A significant highlight of this year’s festival will be the "Night of Stars," scheduled for July 6, which will honor popular artist Zina Daoudia, acknowledging her artistic journey and her impactful contributions to elevating the genre of popular music. This aligns with the festival's tradition of celebrating prominent figures, as seen in last year's tribute to artist Saida Charaf.
In addition to grand performances, the festival will host thematic nights at historical sites such as the Bahia Palace, complemented by parallel activities aimed at enhancing the event's visibility. The iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square will maintain its historical role as an open platform for the public and international tourists to enjoy artistic performances featuring both national and international groups from Africa and Europe, alongside renowned stars.
The main presentation at the Badi Palace will offer a blend of historical ambiance and aesthetic enjoyment through an advanced production and scenography, promising audiences a unique audiovisual experience.
Dr. Khnidri praised the support received from official partners and private entities, particularly "Chai Dhammis," as well as public bodies represented by the Marrakech City Council, the Regional Council, the Provincial Council, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. He affirmed that the city is fully prepared to host this significant event. Moreover, he acknowledged the high spirits of the participating artists, who prioritize love for heritage over material considerations, emphasizing the festival's commitment to involving youth and children in the teams to ensure the continuity of cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of the festival, which has been revived by the High Atlas Cultural Association since 2018, Dr. Khnidri noted its successive successes and the international openness achieved by hosting groups from Europe and America, fostering cultural exchange. To conclude its efforts in preserving artistic memory, the association has launched a documentary aimed at enhancing the presence of Moroccan popular arts in the cultural, tourism, and economic landscapes on both national and international levels.
As reported by ardbladi.com.
