Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid has taken part in the official opening ceremony of the 12th edition of Senegal’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (FESNAC) in Fatick, with Morocco as the guest of honor at the event.
The ceremony, led by Senegal’s President Macky Sall, commenced with the national anthems of both Morocco and Senegal.
The opening ceremony showcased cultural performances from the 14 regions of Senegal, with 40 artistic participants from each region, as well as groups from Morocco.
The event also featured the presentation of a book titled “Les Mélanges,” providing insights into the life and work of President Sall.
Attendees included the Senegalese Minister of Culture and Historical Heritage Aliou Sow, members of the Senegalese government, diplomatic representatives, including Moroccan Ambassador Hassan Naciri representing, and the Moroccan delegation accompanying Minister Mehdi Bensaid.
Senegal’s First Lady Marieme Faye Sall, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, and the Gambian Minister of Culture, Hamat Ba, along with other civilian and military dignitaries, were also present.
The festival will run until January 12 under the theme “Macky, the Arts, and Heritage.” It will spotlight local culture, including traditional dances such as “Ndawrabine” and “Gumbé.”
Activities at the FESNAC village commenced with the cutting of the ribbon by the Moroccan and Senegalese ministers of culture Sow and Bensaid, along with the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Salem Ibn Mohamed Al Malik.
The festival’s program includes a National Book Fair, cultural conferences, a symposium on “Cultural Policies in Senegal: Achievements and Challenges,” a workshop titled “Crossroads of Literature and Civic Construction,” and exchanges between Senegalese authors and the public.
Established in 1996, the FESNAC aims to highlight local cultures and ethnocultural experiences across different regions of Senegal.
This year’s 12th edition builds on the success of previous festivals held in various locations, including Dakar, Ziguinchor, Tambacounda, Saint-Louis, Louga, and Kolda.
