Fez – The air smelled of global harmony and cross-cultural dialogue as Morocco’s Princess Lalla Hasnaa presided over today’s opening ceremony of the 28th annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music.
Held at Fez’s historic Bab Makina, the ceremony unfolded as a grand show of sacred arts, a pure reflection of this year’s theme of Renaissances.
A dedicated advocate of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, Princess Lalla Hasnaa’s presence noted the festival’s enduring mission to foster dialogue among civilizations and promote peace through the arts and culture.
In last year’s edition, the Princess also graced the renowned festival with her presence.
A night of musical pilgrimage
The ceremony unfurled as a spiritual odyssey, featuring performances from Omani Sufi chants to Corsican Renaissance hymns.
The Tambours of Burundi brought the evening to a thunderous moment, their rhythmic mastery echoing through the imperial city, a fitting tribute to the festival’s mission of fostering South-South dialogue.
Many more artists took the crowd by surprise with their out-of-this-world performances.
As the final notes of the opening night faded, the crowd’s thunderous applause marked not an ending, but a beginning – the launch of nine magical days where Fez will transform into the world’s undisputed capital of sacred arts.
From this inaugural spectacle to the last echoing chant, the festival is now officially ready to unveil its full potential of cross-cultural dialogues, midnight Sufi ceremonies, and transcendent performances that will resonate through the Fez ancient medina’s winding alleys.
With eight more days of programming still to unfold, the 28th edition promises a true renaissance of the human spirit, an invitation to rediscover our shared humanity in a world in constant flux.
As Fez becomes the spiritual heartbeat of the world, may all who gather be uplifted, inspired, and transformed.
