Revitalizing Public Spaces in Fes
In a significant initiative aimed at reinvigorating public spaces and enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism appeal, the Fes Municipality, in collaboration with the Fes Saïs Association and under the supervision of the Fes-Meknes Region, has announced the launch of a comprehensive program to activate Bab Abou Janoud Square, one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks. This program is set to commence on Thursday, March 26, 2026, starting at 5 PM, transforming the square into an open space that will host a diverse array of artistic and entertainment performances. These will include storytelling sessions, theatrical shows, acrobatic displays, and circus acts, all within a festive atmosphere designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages.
Cultural Activities and Community Engagement
According to the organizers, these activities will be held regularly at the end of each week, specifically on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, ensuring a continuous cultural engagement that aims to revitalize public spaces and solidify Fes's status as a distinguished national and international cultural tourism destination. Notably, artist Mohamed Al-Alami praised this initiative as a positive step toward invigorating the cultural life of the city. However, he expressed concern regarding the approach taken, which he deemed "constrained within a narrow coordination framework" that does not adequately reflect the diversity and richness of Fes's cultural and artistic fabric. Al-Alami pointed out that the city is home to a plethora of artists and cultural actors who operate under limited conditions, highlighting the absence of consistent support from the municipality for cultural associations and artistic events since 2018, despite the presence of numerous significant cultural festivals and projects.
He emphasized that the real challenge extends beyond organizing temporary shows; it necessitates establishing a fair cultural policy that promotes equal opportunities and is open to various local talents. This policy should also include clear programs that guarantee regular employment opportunities for artists, particularly in the fields of theater and music. Al-Alami concluded his remarks by expressing hope that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader journey, one that expands the scope of partnerships and engages various cultural stakeholders, thereby restoring the significance of associations and artistic groups that have long contributed to the cultural vibrancy of Fes.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
