The Mountain Aita Festival Launches in Taounate
On the evening of Friday, June 12, 2026, the 14th edition of the National Festival of Mountain Aita Arts commenced in Taounate, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Cultural Sector). This vibrant cultural event, running from June 12 to 14, is held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and in collaboration with the local administration of Taounate, the Fès-Meknès Regional Council, and the Taounate Municipal Council. The festival proudly carries the theme "Mountain Aita: Music of the Earth and Humanity," highlighting its deep-rooted connection to Moroccan identity and culture.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized the festival's significance as an annual celebration of Mountain Aita as a genuine expression of the rich history and memory of Northern Morocco. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the regional director of culture for the Fès-Meknès region, the minister noted that this cultural gathering reflects the ongoing efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to preserve the nation’s cultural diversity and enhance Morocco's intangible cultural heritage.
Bensaid further highlighted the ministry's commitment to safeguarding traditional artistic expressions and protecting them from the threats of extinction. He pointed out that these art forms are now essential components of cultural and creative industries, contributing to economic and social development. The Mountain Aita Festival serves as an exceptional platform for dialogue and exchange regarding this ancient musical heritage, allowing for contemplation on preservation methods and the transmission of these traditions to future generations.
The opening ceremony, presided over by the governor of Taounate, Abdel Karim Ghannami, featured a symphony of Mountain Aita that brought together artists and musicians from various cities and regions, particularly from Taounate, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, Wazzan, and Ksar el Kebir. In conjunction with the festivities, a tribute was held to honor renowned artists such as Ahmed Al-Attar (from Larache), Mehdi Snahaji, Batoul Al-Sarifiya, and Bouchtat Al-Abadi (from Taounate), recognizing their significant contributions to preserving and promoting this musical legacy.
Attendees were treated to a series of musical performances, notably by the Jehkouka Group, under the direction of Ahmed Al-Attar, along with Batoul Al-Sarifiya, Abdul Salam Al-Sahli, and Ghazalan Al-Idrisi, who presented pieces inspired by the cultural heritage of the Jebala regions. The diverse performances showcased the richness, authenticity, and variety of Mountain Aita as one of the most distinctive expressions of Moroccan musical heritage. This year’s edition features many national groups specializing in Mountain Aita, along with a program that includes not only artistic evenings but also various cultural and heritage activities.
Moreover, this edition of the festival embraces a wider array of national musical styles, including Amazigh heritage, Hassani music, Chefchaouen women’s choir, and Hiti music. The festival aims to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Mountain Aita as an essential component of Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage while showcasing the richness and diversity of national artistic expressions. Over the years, the National Festival of Mountain Aita Arts has become a vital platform for valuing Moroccan intangible heritage and fostering encounters between artists and enthusiasts of popular culture, thereby enhancing the cultural prominence of Taounate and the Jebala regions.
As reported by madar21.com.
