Marrakech Shines on Day 2 of FNAP 2025 with Vibrant Celebration of Morocco’s Living Heritage
Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: The 54th Festival National des Arts Populaires (FNAP) continued its captivating journey into Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry on its second day, bringing even more vibrancy, rhythm, and emotion to the streets of Marrakech.
The evening unfolded in two parallel musical experiences. At Place El Guerguerate Hay Massira, a new stage came alive with the same electrifying spirit that marked the opening night. A diverse lineup showcased Morocco’s living traditions: from the soul-soothing rhythms of Gnaoua and the spiritual invocations of Dakka Marrakchia, to the infectious pulse of Reggada and the high-energy performance of an Afro dance ensemble. The crowd responded with unrestrained joy, transforming public space into a sacred celebration of identity and community.
Each act seamlessly transitioned into the next, delivering performances that, while rooted in ancestral tradition, spoke to modern Morocco. Musicians and dancers brought with them the stories, landscapes, and spiritual essence of their native regions—honoring both heritage and evolution.
Meanwhile, at the historic Palais El Badi, artists who had graced the stage the previous night returned to a packed venue. Every seat was filled, with many choosing to stand, clap, dance, and sing along. The audience refused to remain passive observers—becoming part of the experience itself.
“There was no space to sit,” one attendee shared with local media. “This event pushes us to learn about our culture, our history, our regions, and why we do what we do.”
Indeed, that is the heart of FNAP: to celebrate Morocco’s “patrimoines immatériels en mouvement”—its intangible cultural heritage in motion. Whether through the refined elegance of Ahidous, the poetic fervor of Ahouach, or the acrobatic storytelling of the Oulad Sidi Hmad ou Moussa troupe, FNAP presents culture not as an artifact to be preserved in a museum, but as a living, breathing force that must be experienced, shared, and continually reimagined.
Among the evening’s many highlights was a performance by legendary Moroccan vocalist Khadija El Warzaziya, who enthusiastically told Morocco World News, “FNAP 2025 is amazing, too beautiful, too perfect.” She added with a laugh, “Nadi Canadi.”
More than a continuation, the second night was a reaffirmation of Morocco’s dynamic cultural spirit. In a world that often races toward the future while forgetting the past, FNAP 2025 reminds us that culture is not static—it is rhythm, memory, and shared joy. And in Marrakech this week, it is truly contagious.
