Marrakech – Around 700 artists representing authentic Moroccan folk troupes, as well as 100 artists from foreign and African countries, will participate in the 53rd edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts (FNAP), scheduled from July 4 to 8 in Marrakech, announced the organizers of this major artistic event.
During a press conference held on Wednesday in the Ocher City to highlight the preparations for this edition, the organizers stressed that this artistic event, placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will take place under the theme “Eternal Rhythms and Symbols”, with China as guest of honor this year.
They also indicated that the FNAP, organized by the Grand Atlas Association in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Department of Culture and the elected councils of Marrakech, coincides with the celebration of Marrakech as Capital of Culture of the Islamic World for the year 2024.
Indeed, this event constitutes a new opportunity to bring together numerous Moroccan and foreign artists who will present varied paintings of the artistic and cultural heritage which abounds in the Kingdom.
They added that this festival, one of the oldest artistic events on a national scale, represents a platform to evoke the historical glories of artistic songs and dances that establish a bridge of communication between artists and the public eager for its heritage and interacting with expressive rhythms with historical symbols.
The organizers also stressed the importance of supporting the continuity of this festival, which constitutes a pillar of the cultural identity of the Kingdom and a showcase that allows foreign visitors to discover the richness of singing traditions and varied popular dances.
Among the new features of this edition, the organization of thematic evenings at the Bahia Palace dedicated to the promotion of heritage, as well as the relaunch of the “Night of the Stars” where the artist Nouaman Lahlou will be in the spotlight.
In a statement to MAP, Mohamed Knidri, President of the “Le Grand Atlas” Association, affirmed that this edition marks a new start for the festival and will bring new impetus and added value to this event dedicated to popular arts in nationally.
He added that the festival will welcome China as guest of honor, due to the distinguished relations between the two countries, stressing that among the new features of this edition is the organization of an International Night highlighting the values of friendship and cultural interaction between the two countries.
“Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of young people in the art of raï, the celebration of the Ahwach art of the Grand Atlas and its promotion to Moroccan and foreign spectators,” he continued.
For his part, Mohamed Karouach, coordinator of the 53rd edition of the FNAP, affirmed that the organizers are careful to preserve the historical heritage of the festival during previous editions, with the addition this year of the Bahia Palace stage for the organization of thematic evenings, addressing various aspects linked to the discovery of Chinese artistic heritage.
The events to be held at the Bahia Palace will include, he said, a joint international evening for Chinese, Indonesian, African and Moroccan musical groups, as well as a theme linking the importance of the interaction between modern and traditional music.
It is worth noting that the official show of the festival will be presented every night at the Royal Theatre with the participation of 30 popular troupes representing the regions of the Kingdom.
Two stages will also be set up on Jemaa el-Fna Square and El Harti Square to bring the festival closer to as many residents and visitors as possible of the ochre city, with the participation of Moroccan and foreign folk troupes.
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