Marrakech – The city of Taza is set to shine a spotlight on its rich cultural heritage with the International Festival “L’Hayti: Memory and Living Arts,” taking place from November 28-30.
Dedicated to “L’Hayti”, a traditional songform that serves as a powerful expression of the identity of Taza’s tribes, the festival aims to safeguard Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage while positioning culture at the heart of local development.
Think of it like what the Essaouria festival is to Gnaoua music, but this time its Taza for L’Hayt.
Organized by the Grand Taza Association for Development, the festival will bring together artists, scholars, creators, and cultural enthusiasts in a collaborative space for dialogue, exchange, and transmission.
The event will serve as an opportunity to showcase artistic practices that are at risk of disappearing and reinforces Taza’s commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity.
The organizers emphasize that the festival is a strategic lever for local development, transforming the city’s traditional wealth into a driver of economic and social growth.
Key objectives include safeguarding the immaterial art of L’Hayti, supporting local troupes and masters, encouraging youth participation, and establishing Taza as a national cultural hub.
The three-day program will feature concerts, L’Hayti performances, Tbourida shows, exhibitions, roundtables, and interactive activities.
A painting exhibition will open its doors to collectors, while a traditional haute couture runway will showcase the region’s designers.
Artists and troupes from across the region will converge to celebrate Taza’s cultural richness and promote interregional exchange.