The Fez Festival, a bridge between the culture and music of Morocco and Spain
The residence of the Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, was the setting for the presentation party of the 27th Fez Sacred Music Festival, to be held from 24 May to 1 June.
A Festival with a long tradition, which since 2001 has been supported by the UN for its contribution to the dialogue of civilisations, and which in 2024 will have Spain as its guest of honour, under the slogan ‘The Quest for the Spirit of Al-Andalus’.
Karima Benyaich
The host of the event, Karima Benyaich, Morocco's ambassador to Spain, emphasised in her speech the historical and cultural relations that link the two countries: ‘This strong and indispensable relationship for the stability and development of our region requires both countries to encourage and promote our cultures even more, and that our dialogue be nourished by thinkers, artists and our youth, so that our two peoples can appropriate the dreams and have the same aspirations’.
The diplomat also stressed that ‘the youth and culture of our two countries must be entrusted with the mission of continuing to contribute to this strategic relationship and to build bridges, promoting diversity and exchange’.
Regarding the Festival, Benyaich explained that ‘this Festival reflects the musical culture of my country, which is extraordinarily diverse and based on dialogue and tolerance, and deeply rooted in its identity. With its aspect of sacred music, reflecting the history, geography and mix of cultural influences, which we have shared between Morocco and Spain, including fusions with Andalusian music, which also holds a revered place in Moroccan culture’.
The ambassador also reviewed the great attractions that the city of Fez has for visitors, ‘a cultural and architectural jewel, which captivates with its medieval charm, its history and its vibrant culture’: the oldest university in the world, founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, in 859, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981; the Madrasa Bou Inania, a Koranic school built in the 14th century; and its impressive historic centre, with the Old Medina, the largest and best preserved in the Arab world, also declared a World Heritage Site.
Abderrafie Zouitene
Abderrafie Zouitene, President of the Spirit of Fez Foundation and of the Festival of World Sacred Music, explained that ‘the Spirit of Fez Foundation, of which I am President, contributes to promoting dialogue between cultures and religions, the spirit of tolerance and openness towards others, in accordance with the vision promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI’.
Zouitene also spoke of the close historical and cultural ties between Morocco and Spain: ‘In a world too often marked by the rejection of differences and extremism, Morocco and Spain act and will continue to act to promote these values of tolerance.
According to the President of the Festival, the fact that Spain will be the guest of honour at the 27th edition ‘will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the friendship and historical relations that unite our countries. Two countries that work continuously to build a better future. One of the clearest examples is the forthcoming organisation of the 2030 Football World Cup, between Morocco, Spain and Portugal’.
Zouitene also reviewed the large representation of Spanish artists who have attended the various editions of the Fez Festival: ‘It has always seemed very important to us to have a strong artistic representation from Spain in the Festival's programme. Thus, we have had the pleasure of welcoming the late Paco de Lucía, Jordi Savall, Enrique Morente, José Mercé, Tomatito, Carlos Núñez, Andrés Marín, Jesús Méndez and many others’.
The evening concluded with a concert of traditional Moroccan music, which was followed with great interest by the audience, who even chanted some traditional melodies.
The event was attended by numerous representatives of the Moroccan community in Spain, as well as some important personalities from Spanish politics, business, culture and sport.
