Casablanca – In partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication as well as the regional Council of Marrakech-Safi, the Grand Atlas Association is organizing the 52nd edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech.

The festival’s theme this year will center around the “Secrets of Dances and Gestures” and will be held from June 22 until June 26, 2023 in the red city’s various public places, namely the Harti Garden, the Royal Theatre, the Jemaa el-Fna square and Moulay El Hassan esplanades.

Launched for the first time in 1960 at the initiative of King Hassan II to promote the ancestral traditions of Marrakech, the festival has been a huge success and exhibits diverse folklore arts from all Moroccan regions every summer.

A rich program awaits visitors who will have the opportunity to attend a large range of artist performances representing all parts of Morocco, from the North to the Sahara. 

The event is set to open with a majestic parade from the Harti Garden to the Royal Theatre where the Festival’s central spectacle will take place every evening at 8:30 p.m. 

Visitors can also expect dozens of shows from popular groups like Fez’s “Issawa”, “Daqqa” of Marrakech, and “Abidat Rma” of Khouribga.

The groups are also scheduled to visit children and the elderly at some of Marrakech’s social institutions. 

Among the participating artists, renowned Moroccan singer Rhany Kabbadj, known under his stage name “Rhany,” announced his participation in a press release.

Picture of Rhany Kabbadj shared in the press release.

“I’m honored to participate in this big celebration of our heritage,” declared Rhany three days ahead of the festival.

“The National Festival of Popular Arts is a marvelous platform that sheds light on the beauty and diversity of our culture.”

As part of his participation, Rhany announced that he will release a new single called “Teslem li Yaghali.”

The singer’s musical style, exhibiting Moroccan touches mingled with contemporary notes,provides spectators a journey back to the past, in the present moment, and to the future, making him a good fit for the festival.

The singer expressed his impatience to share his music with the public and to be “part of this important celebration.”

With his new single, Rhany promised his fans an emotional voyage as he explores the themes of love and compassion between people. 

“Teslem li Yaghali is more than just a song… It encourages us to evaluate the way we engage with each other,” he stated in the press release.

“My goal is to inspire more love, compassion, and respect in our everyday lives”, Rhany added.

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the festival is a great opportunity for tourists and locals alike as it brings together people from all over the world and allows them to connect with different traditions and lifestyles.