The Kingdom’s capital hosted a rich and varied Chinese cultural and artistic event on June 24 and 25. Held under the theme “Tea for Harmony,” these two days, organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Rabat, were distinguished by captivating shows hosted by artists and acrobats from the Sichuan region.
The first evening was held in the large Hay Nahda socio-educational and sports center hall at the invitation of the El Youssoufia District Council. Distinguished guests and the public of this large district of Rabat were treated to breathtaking Chinese shows of music, acrobatics and magic.
Students from the Lissane Eddine Ibn Al Khatib school joined this festive event by producing a show, highlighting the different aspects of Moroccan music and art.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Li Changlin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Rabat, first of all, expressed his warm thanks to the president of the El Youssoufia district, Sidi Brahim El Joumani for his kind collaboration with the organization of this first cultural and artistic meeting. He also praised the efforts led by the president of the Moroccan association for cooperation and friendship between peoples (AMCAP), Hassan Ammari, which led to the organization of this day.
In addition to the various shows by Chinese artists, the Chinese Cultural Center in Rabat hosted a Chinese tea tasting ceremony on Tuesday. It is a ritual consisting of revealing all the aromas of tea by carefully and subtly preparing a very concentrated tea. Its leaves are infused until all the aromas are exhausted.
The Moroccan tradition of tea preparation was also discussed during this evening. Based on historical accounts, Mr. Li Changlin revealed, in this regard, that tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 18th century, via the port of the city of Essaouira, by Chinese traders and sailors. Initially reserved for Moroccan elites, this drink, he added, would become more democratic and spread throughout the national territory from the 19th century.
For the Chinese ambassador, tea constitutes a link between his country and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Driss Lyakoubi
