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Marrakech – The 11th edition of the National Griha and Malhoun Art Festival kicked off on Friday in Taroudant.
This year’s event promises a vibrant display of Morocco’s rich artistic heritage, celebrating traditional music and culture with flair.
Malhoun is an ancient Moroccan poetic-musical expression. Originating in the Tafilalet region in southeastern Morocco, it initially flourished within the local zaouïas (religious schools) before gradually spreading to major cities.
There, it was primarily embraced and performed within the artisan guilds of the old urban centers.
Organized by the “Roudanya Association of Malhoun and Popular Arts” with support from various institutional partners, this year’s festival features a lineup of artists dedicated to showcasing Morocco’s authentic Malhoun tradition.
This edition is named in honor of the late Abbes Jirari, recognizing his pivotal role as the head of the Malhoun commission at the Royal Academy of Morocco.
His efforts were instrumental in securing UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage status for this authentic Moroccan art form.
The festival’s opening ceremony was a celebration of poetic recitations and impressive musical performances by renowned artists, alongside a heartfelt tribute to several key figures who have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Griha and Malhoun art.
In a statement to MAP, Mohamed Lamine, president of the Roudanya Association of Malhoun and Popular Arts, emphasized that this event is dedicated to celebrating the recent inclusion of Malhoun on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
