Marrakech is set to host the 26th edition of the 'Caftan Week' from May 7 to May 10, 2026, under the theme 'Breath of the Atlas.' This event aims to bridge the gap between the rich Moroccan heritage and the challenges of modernization; however, it has sparked intense debate regarding its actual relevance, particularly concerning the financial management and institutional communication surrounding it.
While the new theme celebrating the Atlas Mountains is being promoted, observers argue that the reality is far removed from the concerns of artisans and traditional craftsmen, who embody the true essence of the caftan. The event, overseen by an individual close to the government, benefits from substantial funding through partnerships with major public institutions. This generous allocation of public funds raises urgent questions about the lack of transparent reports detailing how these budgets are spent, especially given that the organizing entity is a magazine managed by a private profit-driven company. The impact of this funding on the social economy and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship from fading into oblivion is also questionable.
In our commitment to inform the public, the editorial team at 'Telegraphe.ma' has attempted since last year to establish communication channels with the event's director to relay concerns from interested parties regarding public support criteria and resource management, among other inquiries. However, the response has been peculiar and contrary to professional standards; the phone number of the site was blocked immediately upon raising these questions. This behavior has persisted, indicating that we are not facing a mere misunderstanding, but rather a systematic 'exclusionary' policy that disregards the right to access information, reinforcing the existence of a deliberate 'wall of silence' surrounding the backstage of this event, which is managed with a 'private estate' mentality.
The transformation of the Moroccan caftan into a mere 'fashion show' for elites and influencers, without the oversight of independent journalism, strips the event of its national significance. The palpable silence regarding the spending of public funds and the evasion of media accountability through ongoing 'blocking' techniques since last year enhances the impression that 'Caftan Week' has become a platform for polishing certain images under the guise of 'cultural radiance,' while the authentic caftan and the simple 'master artisan' remain mere decor to serve agendas unrelated to Moroccan identity.
As reported by telegraphe.ma.
