The 46th edition of the Asilah International Cultural Moussem celebrates creativity in the absence of its cultural architect.
Fez – Despite the absence of its founder and longtime patron, the late Mohamed Benaissa, the Asilah International Cultural Moussem has returned in full spirit this summer, transforming the Atlantic town into an open-air studio of color and culture.
Now in its 46th edition, the annual event continues to draw artists, writers, and musicians from across Morocco and around the world.
This year’s summer session includes mural workshops in the medina, children’s art activities, literary forums, additionally to theater and music performances, preserving the legacy of what Benaissa built into a global cultural beacon.
Under the bright sun and amid the narrow lanes of Asilah’s historic center, local children paint side-by-side with established artists, turning blank walls into collaborative murals.
Small hands grip brushes, guided by professionals from Spain, France, Lithuania, Syria, and Morocco; each bringing their own story and style.
It’s a joyful sight that blends generations and reflects the core ethos of the festival: shared artistic expression and community enrichment.
“This Moussem is our collective heritage,” said Hatim El Battioui to Hespress, Secretary General of the Asilah Forum Foundation, which organizes the event.
“Even in the absence of Benaissa, we remain committed to his vision: fostering creativity, cultural dialogue, and artistic freedom.”
Benaissa, who passed away in February 2025, was more than just a founder—he was the spirit of the festival, infusing it with ambition and internationalism for nearly half a century.
His passing casts a long shadow, but the organizers and townspeople are determined to continue his work with the same passion and purpose.
This year’s edition features 17 muralists, literary workshops for children, and theater training programs co-organized with local NGOs.
There’s also a special music education residency in partnership with the Bahrain Institute for Oriental Music.
Throughout the medina, visitors encounter vibrant street scenes, impromptu performances, and children proudly explaining their brushwork to curious tourists.
Locals note that the Moussem has long been more than just a festival—it’s part of the town’s identity. It has helped shape generations of young creatives and positioned Asilah as a model for cultural tourism and civic engagement.
“We grew up watching these walls come to life every summer,” said one Asilah native. “It taught us that art is not just something you visit in a museum. It’s something you live with—and something you create.”
Even without its “spiritual father,” the Moussem remains a vibrant symbol of cultural resilience.
As new voices carry forward Benaissa’s legacy, Asilah continues to prove that art—rooted in memory, driven by community—can outlast even its most visionary founders.
