HIBAPRESS
Within the framework of ongoing efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage and enhance its presence in contemporary cultural life, the Moroccan Association for Cultural Heritage is organizing the fifth edition of the Fes International Festival of Cultural Heritage and Folk Arts, which will take place from April 28 to 30, 2026, in the city of Fes, under the theme: "Rhythms and Skills".
The choice of this theme embodies a cultural and artistic vision that focuses on highlighting the deep relationship between traditional crafts and musical creativity within the Moroccan cultural system, where the craft transcends its production dimension and transforms into a vibrant space that pulsates with sound, rhythm, and aesthetic connotations, in a rich intersection with forms of musical and spiritual expression in folk heritage. In this context, this edition seeks to reread craft heritage as a rich cultural component that reflects the collective memory and the spirit of the ancient city, where the voices of traditional artisans remain part of the auditory landscape of the city of Fes, from the beats of brass to the rhythms of blacksmithing and the movements of weaving and tanning. The festival also aims to highlight this creative interaction between craft skills and musical rhythm, by bringing forth examples of Moroccan heritage expressions that are based on deep rhythms and spirituality, reflecting the richness and diversity of national popular culture. The festival also seeks to open a space for dialogue and reflection on the place of traditional crafts in building cultural identity, and their role in preserving the urban and human memory of the city of Fes, as one of the most prominent historical cities of crafts and traditional industries in the Islamic world. The program of this edition will include a range of diverse cultural and artistic events, including: • Artistic performances by Sufi and folk heritage musical groups • Live spaces for artisans presenting applied performances that highlight the creative dimension of crafts • Intellectual/scientific symposium on the relationship between crafts, music, rhythm, and Sufism • Exhibition of traditional crafts and arts • Educational workshops for youth and adolescents Through this integrated approach, the Fes International Festival of Cultural Heritage and Folk Arts seeks to contribute to the protection of intangible cultural heritage and promote its sustainability, by valuing traditional crafts and reintegrating them into contemporary cultural, economic, and social dynamics. This event also constitutes an opportunity to renew the connection between humans and their urban space, and to evoke the aesthetic and cultural values that have distinguished the ancient city, with the aim of building a sustainable urban model that preserves memory and opens up to the future. The organizing committee announces that it will hold a press conference at a later date to announce the detailed program of the edition, and all the details related to the events and participating guests.
