54th National Festival of Popular Arts Opens with a Vivid Celebration of Morocco’s Intangible Heritage

Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: The historic El Badi Palace came alive Friday night as the 54th edition of the Festival National des Arts Populaires (FNAP) opened in a spectacular showcase of Moroccan cultural heritage. More than just a festival, the event served as a powerful expression of the nation’s identity — a rhythmic heartbeat of Morocco’s rich intangible legacy.

Held under the theme “Patrimoines immatériels en mouvement” (Intangible Cultural Heritage in Motion), the 2025 edition of FNAP, organized by the Association Le Grand Atlas in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, brings together over 750 artists from across Morocco and beyond for five days of immersive celebration.

The opening night unfolded as a deeply emotional and symbolic tribute to tradition, memory, and modern cultural dialogue. The evening commenced with a recital of Arabic poetry, followed by the Moroccan national anthem, as the audience rose in solemn respect. A harmonious rendition of “Sla wa slam A’la Rassol Allah” soon resonated throughout the palace, enveloping the audience in spiritual unity.

A notable highlight was a dynamic performance by a Chinese dragon dance troupe, symbolizing cross-cultural friendship and artistic exchange. This international gesture was followed by a powerful return to Moroccan roots as traditional troupes took the stage — among them, Ahidous from the Middle Atlas, Ahouach from Tafraoute, Reggada from Oujda, Guedra from the southern Sahara, Mizane, and Gnaoua from Marrakech.

Each ensemble brought with them the spirit of their regions, weaving tales of love, resilience, harvest, migration, and celebration. The energetic Reggada dance electrified the crowd, while the hypnotic Gnaoua rhythms and the trance-like movement of Guedra performers brought spiritual depth to the night. Amazigh group Aouad Ait Baamrane delivered haunting vocal harmonies, and the poetic melodies of Tisset Tata moved the audience with their romantic flair.

The Aabidat R’ma troupe from Oued Zem offered a unique mix of traditional music and comedic interaction, bringing joy and laughter to the audience in a performance that blurred the line between stage and spectators.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Morocco’s cultural icons. Artists such as Rokiya Al Gadir, Abdessamad Leguessiss, and the leader of Ahwash Tissent Tata were honored for their lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Moroccan folk arts. The applause that followed these moments was filled with emotion and collective appreciation.

Throughout the evening, El Badi Palace became a symbolic meeting ground of generations and cultures. Elders and youth danced side by side, tourists captured the spectacle with awe, and renowned Moroccan figures including singer Fouad Zbadi and actor Abdellah Farkouss witnessed the proud unfolding of a living cultural legacy.

FNAP’s opening night was not merely a ceremonial launch — it was a living tableau of Morocco’s enduring spirit. Through music, movement, and memory, the festival reaffirmed that heritage in Morocco is not confined to the past — it is alive, evolving, and celebrated in motion.