The 12th edition of Mata marks a new success for Moroccan intangible heritage
- The Equestrian Festival, Moroccan intangible heritage at ISESCO
- Mata: space for coexistence, spirituality and cultural exchange
- Mata, the local popular practice with a global impact
- Rich programme of activities between Larache and Tangier
From Zniyed, Community of Larbaa of Ayacha, Circle of Moulay Abdeslam, province of Larache, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Family, Aawatif Hayar, along with the Wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Hoceima region, Younes Tazi, inaugurated with the Baraka family, the twelfth edition of the International Equestrian Mata Festival.
Also present, in the photo, are the new embajador de España en Marruecos Enrique Ojeda, the Consul General de España en Tangier Juan Carlos Gafo Acevedo, the director of the Centro Regional de Inversiones Jalal Benhayoun, Carmen Norte Gómez, representative of the Consejo de Europa en Marruecos y el presidente de la Asociación de la Industria del Caballo de China (China Horse Industry Association).
In his opening speech, Nabil Baraka, president of the festival, underlined that "this annual gathering renews its commitment to the promotion of tourism, cultural and social dynamics; as well as supporting human development in the area"; highlighting "the spiritual dimension of the festival as a Sufi pole in the Muslim world and a model of tolerance, Sufism, love, unity and coherence".
The Equestrian Festival, Moroccan intangible heritage at ISESCO
Omar Hajji, director of the Festival, highlighted the great historical achievement of the 12th edition by the inclusion of Mata intangible heritage, on behalf of the Kingdom of Morocco, in the list of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ISESCO.
This well-deserved recognition represents, according to Hajji, a great tribute not only to the horsemen of Mata but to all the mountainous regions of the north of the country rich in spiritual and cultural treasures.
"The tradition of equestrianism with all its rites is what unites us to this day under the baraka (divine blessing and grace) of the saint Abdeslam Ibn Mashich who since the 12th century has been spreading messages of peace," emphasised Nabil Baraka, pointing out that "at this time, the world needs union and peace more than ever to be able to face the difficult situation that humanity is going through".
For her part, Nabila Baraka, president of the Alamia Laaroussia Social and Cultural Action Association, recalled the decisive role played by the Naquib of Chorfas Alamiyines Abdelhadi Baraka in the preservation of this authentic intangible heritage of northern Morocco.
Mata: space for coexistence, spirituality and cultural exchange
The 12th edition of the International Equestrian Festival is an opportunity to shed light on the relevance of exploring the spiritual aspect represented by the Chorfas Alamiyines and the followers of the Shadhiliya Sufi school and Moulay Abdeslam Ibn Mashich who has always defended the human values of peace and coexistence.
The International Equestrian Festival is part of Morocco's intangible heritage, the preservation of which is carried out under the royal vision which describes culture as "a reflection of civilisations, nourishment for the spirit and thought, as well as a link between the individual and society".
Under the motto Mata, Ancestral Intangible Heritage and a Place for the Exchange of Human Cultures, the festival once again bears the mark of interculturality and demonstrates its added value as a meeting of peace, spirituality, coherence and tolerance in which leading personalities in the fields of thought, religion, culture, art and politics converge in pure harmony with the local population.
Mata, the local popular practice with a global impact
The institution of the Mata Equestrian Festival had succeeded in bringing this brilliant event to the different corners of the world and capturing the attention of millions of followers in different countries of the planet, according to the director of the festival.
The new edition, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, is distinguished by the participation of delegations from Spain, Belgium, France and China in addition to all regions of the Kingdom.
The inauguration of the 12th edition was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Family, Aawatif Hayar, the wali of the TTA region Younes Tazi, the new Spanish Ambassador to Morocco Enrique Ojeda, the Consul General of Spain in Tangier Juan Carlos Gafo Acevedo, the director of the Regional Investment Centre Jalal Benhayoun, Carmen Norte Gómez, representative of the Consejo de Europa en Marruecos y el presidente de la Asociación de la Industria del Caballo de China (China Horse Industry Association) among other distinguished personalities in the world of politics and public administration.
This year, the festival saw the participation of the China Horse Industry Association, the representative of international Buddhism in Brussels and other organisations for peace and coexistence.
Rich programme of activities between Larache and Tangier
The programme of the 2024 edition of the Festival is full of diverse activities taking place over the three days of the event:
- Exhibition of local products and Moroccan handicrafts, with the participation of cooperatives from all regions of Morocco, including the southern territories as permanent guests of the fair.
- Races and exhibitions of Mata horses and jockeys.
- International conference moderated by researchers from various national and international institutions under the theme Mata: space for the exchange of human cultures; in order to strengthen the communication links between Africa and Europe represented by Morocco and Spain, with an openness to the other continents.
- Discussions on the role of the women of the Jebala tribes in the celebration of this Moroccan heritage and the strong links between the northern region and the culture of the tribes of the Sahara.
- The 2023 edition will be presented by the president of the festival, Nabil Baraka.
- Artistic shows animated by leading artists such as Bachir Attar, Faycel Sghir, Ikram El Abdia, El Messari, Imane El Hajeb and comedians Hassan and Mohssin.
- Pay tribute to Jebala art pioneer Hajji Srifi and other cultural personalities.
- Sufi singing evenings and local folklore performances.
- Children's games and ancestral tradition competition.
