Rabat will come alive this July with the return of “Nostalgia – Emotion of Yesterday,” a historical artistic show set in the ancient Chellah archaeological site.
Fez– Rabat is hosting the third edition of the historical art festival “Nostalgia – Emotion of Yesterday,” from July 9 to July 13, 2025, at the historic Chellah archaeological site.
The festival is returning by popular demand after conducting successful previous seasons, with the promise of an out-of-this-world cultural experience within one of Morocco’s greatest landmarks.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communications, in partnership with the Moroccan Global Studios in Ouarzazate, the initiative falls within efforts to restore heritage destinations by transforming them into vibrant settings for artistic and cultural sharing.
“Nostalgia” offers nightly shows in three sessions at 9 p.m. and invites Rabat residents and travelers to be a part of key moments in Moroccan history in the enchanted ambiance of the Chellah location.
The play production is meant to revive the memory of Chellah in a sumptuous dramatic tableau recounting the history of the succession of civilizations which have shaped the site, from the Romans and Phoenicians to Islamic kingdoms and the Alaouite era.
The production engages over 350 art, technical, and related crafts professionals on a yearly basis, testifying to the production’s status as a leading cultural industry employer.
Aside from entertainment, “Nostalgia” is one component of a broader cultural and tourism activation strategy that reflects the growing prominence of cultural tourism.
Nassour says that cultural industries today are a dynamic sector, with both economic and historical momentum in Morocco.
The Chellah site itself is a cornerstone of Rabat’s colorful history, holding relics dating centuries before Christ. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.
Organizers hope the “Nostalgia” show will heighten public awareness of Chellah’s value and increase its artistic and cultural stake in a manner that is consistent with its status in history.
