The festival, launched in 2004 and organised by the Nomades du Monde association, has become a major cultural attraction for both Moroccans and tourists interested in Saharan and nomadic cultures.
This year’s theme focused on “Sufism among nomads.” The closing ceremony coincided with the beginning of Ramadan and featured a vibrant evening of music reflecting the festival’s theme. The concert hall in the city center hosted a diverse range of artists, starting with the women’s group Bnat El Ghiwane, who captivated the audience with classic Ghiwane repertoire.
Angolan singer Te Macedo and her group impressed the crowd, as did the powerful vocals of the Madih singer, Maitre Mohamed Baia, performing in the Hassani dialect. Asmaa Hamzaoui and her group Bnat Timbouktou received high praise for their Gnawa performance. The local group M’hamid Band closed the evening with a contemporary take on the region’s oral heritage, weaving words and rhythms together.
Beyond the musical performances, the festival’s final day included a symposium exploring “Sufism among the nomads of the Draa Valley through the arts of song” and a sand hockey exhibition match. The 19th International Festival of Nomads solidified its position as a significant cultural event, celebrating the rich traditions of Morocco’s nomadic communities.
LOS/fss/abj/APA