Rabat – Princess Lalla Hasnaa presided over today’s opening ceremony of the 27th annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music.
Hosted at the historic Bab El Makina in the heart of Fez, this year’s festival pays homage to Spain under the theme “The Quest for the Al Andalus Spirit.”
According to converging news reports, authorities have mobilized in the Aïn Azleten district of the Fez medina to prepare for the festival, with renovation works underway in an alley housing riads and guesthouses.
The opening ceremony featured an hour-and-a-half Andalusian music spectacle titled “Zyriab or the Fifth Chord.” The work of art will be showcased using enhanced cutting-edge mapping techniques and is slated to take place in the Moulay El Hassan Square.
A key part of the event was the incorporation of hologram technology to present the works of legendary artists such as Oum Kalthoum. Through this innovative approach, the festival aims to bridge the gap between past and present, celebrating the timeless allure of Andalusian music.
The festival’s opening grand performance paid tribute to the rich legacy of Arab music, as it intertwined with the cultural heritage of Andalusia.
Drawing inspiration from ancient philosophers like Al Firdusi and Al Kindi, the performance aimed to reflect the connection between music, philosophy, and the universe.
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The 10-day festival will feature Abou Al-Hassan Ali Ibn Nâfi, better known as “Zyriab,” the iconic figure of the Andalusian golden age.
In addition, the international festival will showcase creations from a diverse lineup of artists hailing from Uzbekistan, Iran, Syria, India, Spain, Egypt, Italy, Armenia, France, and Morocco.
The news of Lalla Hasnaa’s inauguration of the festival comes days after the princess, who is president of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, inaugurated the Lahboul Park in Meknes following its renovation.
First established in 1906, the historical park covers an area of five hectares in the heart of the city, shaded by palm trees and mature trees, with magnificent terraces built on the slopes of the Boufekrane valley.
Founded in 2001 on instructions from King Mohammed VI, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection seeks to foster climate consciousness and environmental responsibility in Morocco.
With a primary focus on education and sustainable growth, the Foundation targets a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including youth, civil society, enterprises, and educational institutions.
