The Moroccan Pavilion Shines at the Paris Exhibition
The Moroccan national pavilion was inaugurated at the Paris Exhibition last Wednesday, attracting widespread interest from visitors and presenting a mosaic of traditional crafts that reflect the depth and diversity of Moroccan cultural identity.
The pavilion, organized by the Artisan House, spanned nearly 400 square meters and featured a significant number of exhibitors representing various regions of the kingdom. It served as a vibrant platform to showcase authentic handicrafts, including the art of caftans, mosaic tilework, carpet weaving, wood carving, plasterwork, leather crafting, and metalwork, in addition to traditional cosmetics and jewelry.
Organizers confirmed that the Moroccan pavilion is among the most popular attractions during this edition, garnering notable attention from prominent French figures, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, as well as various elected officials, local representatives, tourists, and members of the Moroccan community residing in France.
Visitors to the Moroccan pavilion are treated to a complete sensory experience drawn from the essence of heritage, through a daily program rich in cultural and entertainment activities that highlight Moroccan hospitality and the skills of traditional artisans. Featured are live cooking demonstrations by renowned Moroccan chef Kamal Labi, known as “Kimo,” as well as popular musical performances ranging from the rhythms of Nass El Ghiwane to national anthems like “Nidaa Al Hassan” and “Al Ayoune Ainaia.”
The pavilion also hosts live workshops showcasing traditional crafts, henna painting sessions, and Arabic calligraphy workshops, along with the ritual of serving Moroccan tea, which captivates visitors from various nationalities.
A special Moroccan Day is scheduled to be celebrated on Friday, May 9, at the “African Talents Village” within the Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles, featuring musical performances, traditional fashion shows, and live demonstrations of Moroccan artisans’ skills.
The Paris Exhibition is one of the largest commercial events open to the public in France, held annually for over 120 years, featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors representing about 3,500 brands distributed across six halls covering over 100,000 square meters. The exhibition runs for 12 days.