Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 7:03 p.m.
Addis Ababa – The magic of Morocco worked and wonder was at its peak during a gala evening, organized on Saturday in Addis Ababa, to celebrate the cultural and artisanal heritage of the Kingdom.
This purely Moroccan evening with its traditional costumes and myriad flavors which offers an exceptional gastronomic experience closes the week of Moroccan crafts, held for the first time in the capital of Ethiopia.
This event, which aroused excitement and enthusiasm among the guests, was an opportunity to reveal the beauty, diversity and richness of artistic crafts including that of traditional Haute couture.
The elegance and timelessness of the Caftan reigned supreme on the catwalk. A true ode to beauty, this fashion show presented a collection of 5 Moroccan designers who were able to bewitch the audience with this fabric from a thousand and one nights, strong in its notoriety and symbol of cultural identity.
Approached by MAP, several guests at this show did not fail to emphasize that the caftan, the fruit of the meticulous work of master craftsmen, constitutes a true symbol of Moroccan culture, expressing their wish to make this event a meeting place. annual cultural event allowing Moroccan artisans to export their know-how.
Speaking at the opening of this colorful evening, the Ambassador Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the AU and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi, highlighted the far-sighted vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the promotion of crafts, emphasizing that this sector can constitute an essential vector for the development of south-south cooperation.
In this regard, Mr. Arrouchi insisted on the role of crafts and professional training in the development of Africa and in maintaining peace and security on the continent, stressing that crafts in Africa represent a pillar important to the economy since it creates jobs and generates income for many communities.
The diplomat also noted that craftsmanship allows the transmission of cultural values and traditional know-how, thus contributing to the preservation of the identity and cultural pride of communities, also noting that vocational training allows young people to acquire technical skills by offering them alternatives to the risks of resorting to illegal activities or being recruited by armed groups due to lack of opportunities.
And to conclude that a craft sector and well-structured vocational training programs can directly contribute to stability and security in Africa.
The president of the Chamber of Crafts of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Abderrahim Zemzami, for his part, indicated that under the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco has always recognized the importance of crafts as a driver of development and implemented concrete initiatives to promote women’s access to economic opportunities.
He also affirmed that the Kingdom’s vision is based on the promotion of sustainable, inclusive and competitive craftsmanship in the global market, while preserving its cultural heritage, further noting that craftsmanship in Africa is much more than just a economic activity but it reflects the identity, history and ancestral know-how of the people of the continent.
Speaking in turn, the Director of Heritage Preservation, Innovation and Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Moha Errich indicated that the organization of this The event is in line with the High Royal Guidelines relating to the promotion of south-south cooperation with a view to developing the continent’s economies by taking advantage of its natural resources and human capital.
He also emphasized the interest given by the Kingdom to promoting innovation in the craft sector through the development of continuing training, while guaranteeing the necessary infrastructure and improving conditions. socio-professional aspects of artisans.
For his part, Abdesslam Amarir, from the Division of Inventory and Documentation of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, affirmed that this event, organized in Addis Ababa, reflects the will of Morocco to strengthen partnership relations with African countries in all areas, particularly that of culture.
He also stressed that craftsmanship is rooted in the history of the Kingdom, noting that master craftsmen perpetuate this tradition and will continue to reproduce this material expression of this cultural heritage with the aim of preserving, enhancing and transmitting it. from generation to generation.
For stylist Imane Tadlaoui, this participation constitutes an opportunity for Moroccan designers to present their latest creations in Addis Ababa.
“The caftan is a source of pride for Morocco,” she told MAP, praising the work accomplished by the various partners to ensure the success of this event.
The gala evening, which began with the salute of the national anthems of Ethiopia, the African Union and Morocco, was marked by the screening of a video on the enormous potential that the Kingdom offers in terms of investments in different areas.
A dinner was offered on this occasion in honor of the personalities present including ambassadors accredited to the AU and Ethiopia.
This event was held on the eve of the Africa Celebrates event, scheduled for November 6 to 10, which will celebrate the diversity of African culture. On this occasion, the CEO of Africa Celebrates Lexy Mojo-Eyes presented the 2024 edition which aims to highlight the opportunities offered by African countries through exhibitions and forums.
It should be remembered that around thirty artisans from the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region took part in the Moroccan craft week which was a great opportunity to highlight the richness of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
On the eve of the inauguration of this exhibition, a Moroccan Caftan show took place last Monday at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
