The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music has announced its 28th edition, themed “Rebirth,” taking place from May 16 to 24.
Organizers explained that “this theme was chosen to resonate with Morocco’s unique position, as the country continues to strengthen its role as a space for cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal, embodying the festival’s spirit, which, after 28 years, has remained committed to promoting noble values of coexistence and tolerance in Fes as a hub of cultural and civilizational radiance.”
The same source noted that “over the nine days of the festival, Fes, the scientific capital, will host more than 200 artists from 15 countries, particularly Italy, Turkey, France, Spain, Switzerland, Oman, as well as several African nations such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burundi, and Togo…”
Among the key events of “this prominent cultural and spiritual gathering,” the press release highlighted the “opening night of the 28th edition, which will feature extraordinary scenography and music, transporting the audience into enchanting realms from different eras, inviting them to explore the lives and cultures of various peoples.”
Abdelrafeh Zewaiten, head of the Fes Spirit Foundation, stated that “our choice of theme for this 28th edition aligns with the spirit of Fes; an open city and a crossroads of civilizations that never ceases to renew and revive itself. Since its founding, Fes has played a pivotal role in cultural and religious renewal movements that have positively impacted interactions and synergies between Mediterranean and African civilizations.”
The statement emphasized that “the festival remains committed to renewing its African dimension, and the organizers of this edition will honor the African continent, rich with youth aware of the necessity to celebrate and preserve their ancient traditions, while ensuring this heritage is passed on to future generations, thus contributing to the continuity of its cultural renaissance over the years.”
The participation of numerous artists from major countries in the continent aims to “strengthen the festival and Morocco’s ties to their roots, fully aligning with the kingdom’s commitments to South-South cooperation as a strategic axis of Moroccan foreign policy.”
Organizers clarified that “the choice of Italy as the guest of honor for this 28th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music was neither arbitrary nor coincidental, but rather reflects the pivotal role this historic country played in the cultural movement of the Renaissance, which altered the course of history in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.”
They pointed out that “among the symbolic cities of the Renaissance is Florence, which has a unique twinning relationship with Fes, and will also be in the spotlight in the new edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music,” explaining that “Fes and Florence, the twin cities of art and spirituality, embody an ideal symbol of the bridge built by the global movement for the Mediterranean between cultures and eras.”
