Tiflet’s cultural festival returned for its fifth edition, uniting music, heritage, and a passionate local crowd.
Fez – The city of Tiflet kicked off the fifth edition of its cultural festival on Thursday night with a lively, music-filled evening that brought together artists, locals, and visitors for a shared celebration of Moroccan identity and artistic expression.
Organized by the Atlas Zemmour Tiflet Association for Culture, Development, and Creativity, in partnership with the local municipal council and supported by various ministries and institutions, this year’s festival is being held under the theme: “The Role of Culture in Strengthening Moroccan Identity for National Unity.”
A mouthful, maybe, but the crowd didn’t come for the slogans. They came for the music.
The opening night set the tone with a warm, energetic atmosphere and a full house of enthusiastic attendees.
First on stage was singer Oumaima Messaadi, who was all smiles as she performed in Tiflet for the first time.
In a short statement, she described the evening as deeply special and the audience as wonderfully receptive, adding that festivals like this one bridge the gap between artists and their communities.
Following her was the ever-vibrant Fayza Atlas, whose performance was equal parts music and folklore.
Accompanied by her troupe, she livened up the stage with traditional dance-infused songs that had the crowd clapping, dancing, and fully immersed.
But it was Muslim, one of Morocco’s most iconic rap stars, who sent the energy through the roof.
As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted: phones lit up, voices joined him in singing lyrics word for word, and the whole scene became a chorus of youthful noise, rhythm, and excitement.
To wrap up the night, beloved chaâbi artist Said Senhaji took over, offering the kind of classic Moroccan melodies that hit somewhere between nostalgia and raw joy.
His segment was a powerful finale, with the audience swaying and singing along to his familiar repertoire. “I’m truly happy to be here tonight,” he told the press. “The love of this crowd is something I’ll always carry with me.”
Hosting the evening was TV personality Chahrazad Akroud, who was just as moved by the local warmth as the performers were.
“Tiflet might be a small dot on the map,” she said, “but it has the heart of a capital.” For her, the festival was about more than entertainment, it was about connecting the Moroccan spirit with those who keep it alive.
The festivities are set to continue over the coming days, with more musical nights, cultural workshops, and heritage-inspired performances.
Debates about priorities, between public spending on art vs. infrastructure, persist in the background. But for a few nights at least, Tiflet is dancing, singing, and celebrating its cultural heartbeat.
