Lugano – The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is set to return for its 29th edition, taking place on June 4-7.
The festival will bring together artists, cultural traditions, and spiritual musical performances from around the world.
Organized by the Esprit de Fes Foundation, this year’s event will be held under the theme “Fez and the Maalems: Guardians of Craft and Heritage.”
Known as Maalems, these master artisans preserve traditional Moroccan techniques such as wood carving, sculpted plaster, and intricate metalwork.
Their work has played a key role in the construction and decoration of many of Fez’s historic monuments.
The edition aims to pay tribute to these master artisans whose expertise has helped shape the city’s architectural identity for centuries.
The 2026 edition will also emphasize their crucial role in passing down traditional knowledge to younger generations, highlighting craftsmanship as a symbol of continuity that connects Morocco’s rich heritage with the future.
Through this theme, the festival aims to highlight the important role these artisans play in protecting Morocco’s cultural heritage, while recognizing them as guardians of knowledge passed down through generations of apprentices.
A global gathering of sacred music
The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music was founded in 1994, followed by the creation of its Forum in 2001.
Since its launch, the event has gained growing international recognition, becoming the world’s first festival of its kind.
In 2001, the United Nations recognized the festival as one of the world’s significant events promoting the dialogue of civilizations, reflecting its mission to encourage intercultural understanding through music.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed international performers and ensembles exploring the spiritual dimension of music, presenting sacred traditions from different cultures and religions.
The 28th edition, held in May last year under the theme “Renaissance,” brought together around 200 artists from across the world, representing approximately 15 countries.
Throughout its many editions, the festival has also served as a platform for emerging talent, introducing audiences to new artists while supporting innovative and ambitious artistic projects.
