Moroccan Culture Shines in the Heart of Montreal

Hibapress / Press release

From August 8 to 11, 2024, as part of the 14th edition of the Orientalys Festival, the non-profit organization Hespérides Arts et Cultures, dedicated to building intercultural bridges through artistic expression, in collaboration with GouchiCom Évents, embellished the Old Port of Montreal site with a variety of activities illustrating the richness of Moroccan traditions.
Among the 17 participating countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb, Morocco shone brightly, celebrating its rich cultural, artisanal, gastronomic, clothing and artistic heritage.
The event attracted thousands of people from all communities, who came to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Moroccan heritage.
This year, the festival had the honor of welcoming and HE Mrs. Souriya Otmani, Ambassador of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, during a courtesy visit of encouragement to the festival workshops and the rich Moroccan program held for 4 days. The caidal tent that embellished the festival site was specially imported from the Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar of El-Jadida, thanks to the efforts of the commune of Moulay Abdellah, bringing together under its colorful fabric the spirit of 4 emblematic Moroccan cities: El Jadida, Marrakech, Safi and Essaouira. The Hespérides Arts et Cultures team was present at the caidal tent during the 4 days of the festival, offering the Montreal public a complete immersion in Moroccan culture, through a simulation of a traditional Moroccan wedding, a tea preparation ceremony and a show of songs and dances from Moroccan folklore. An exhibition was also held under the tent, showcasing examples of high-quality Moroccan craftsmanship, paintings of iconic sites in the kingdom, as well as haute couture caftans.
The audience was delighted to discover a unique Moroccan musical repertoire including chaabi and Gnawa music. A gastronomic kiosk was also on hand, offering a real culinary journey through the emblematic dishes of Morocco, including couscous, pastilla, tajine and other delicacies.
The event was also marked by highlights, including the exceptional performance of the talented Zouhair Bahaoui, who performed to a sold-out crowd in front of more than 5,000 festival-goers for his first performance in North America, illustrating the richness of Moroccan song and highlighting the values ​​of openness, cohabitation and Moroccan savoir-vivre.

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