The Kingdom of Morocco proudly hosted the 55th edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech, which concluded with significant and vibrant participation from women. This event highlighted the essential role that women play in preserving the national cultural heritage and safeguarding the historical identity of the country. The festival served as a powerful reminder of how crucial women are in perpetuating the continuity of popular arts across generations. Through their dances and songs, they showcase the rich cultural diversity of Morocco and embody the values of social cohesion across various geographical regions. Thus, the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech has emerged as a true platform for celebrating this artistic legacy.
Artistic Interactions Showcasing Cultural Diversity at El Badi Palace
The grand artistic event concluded on Monday, July 6, 2026, amidst lively public celebrations. The closing ceremony featured the talented artist Zina Daoudia alongside folklore groups that presented creative performances blending diverse rhythms. Over the four days of the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech, extraordinary skills were displayed by the female dancers, who reflected a deep connection to the cultures of their respective regions, whether through traditional attire or inherited poetry. This added a unique aesthetic touch to the performances held at the historic El Badi Palace, making the event a vibrant testament to cultural identity.
One of the standout performances came from the "Tazwit" troupe from the region of Kelaa M’Gouna, renowned as the capital of roses. Their presentation of the "Bee Dance" garnered widespread public acclaim. This dance is an artistic tableau in which the leader symbolizes the queen bee, surrounded by women engaged in rhythmic, expressive movements, while men form a line as soldiers of the hive. Saadia Al-Asri, a member of the troupe, emphasized that the Amazigh woman is the primary bearer of this heritage, noting that the presence of women adorned with floral crowns symbolizes the uniqueness of the region. Moreover, the "Ahidus" art form remains a strong presence at various celebratory events such as births and circumcisions, underscoring the festival's role in preserving these traditions.
The Kadra Dance and Women's Presence in Hassani Culture
The "Kadra" dance stands as a distinctive marker of the cultural identity of the Souss region, a gateway to the Sahara, where its troupes regularly participate in the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech. Leila Zahraoui, a member of the Kadra troupe specializing in Hassani music and dance, explained that this dance relies on the rhythm of the "Kadra" instrument, played by hand. The dancer, clad in a "melhafa," takes center stage, emphasizing movements of the head, shoulders, and hair, while men contribute with rhythms, clapping, and reciting poetry that expresses pride and welcome. This dance reflects the unity of tribal members and values of solidarity, with women remaining at the heart of movement and aesthetic expression.
The National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech showcases the rich cultural diversity that Morocco possesses, from the "Ahwash" and "Ahidus" in mountainous areas to Hassani heritage, and the "Aita" music of the plains, alongside the deeply rooted African "Gnawa" traditions. The 55th edition has proven that popular heritage is not merely a performance art; it is a living memory that celebrates the symbolic and social status of women. This strong female presence ensures that the rhythms and songs of the people remain alive in the community's consciousness and underscores the importance of supporting such cultural initiatives to strengthen belonging and document national identity in the face of modern challenges. This reflects the vibrant essence of the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech as a nurturing ground for the arts.
As reported by ghadnews.net.
