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Rabat – The 21st edition of Morocco’s International Storytelling Festival, kicking off today in Rabat, is set to enchant audiences from July 1 to July 8.
Organized by the International Academy for Intangible Cultural Heritage in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region’s Wilaya, the free festival will unfold under the theme “Places, Memory of a Nation.”
Held under the auspices of King Mohammed VI, the festival will kick off at Rabat’s historic Chellah archeological site on July 2 at 8 p.m. Moroccan local time, marking the start of a week-long celebration of storytelling, culture, and heritage.
As part of the festival, activities will occur at multiple venues across Morocco’s capitol, including Bab El Had square, the Gardens of the Oudayas, Mahaj Riyadh, and Moulay Hassan square.
In addition to Rabat, the festival will extend its reach to cities such as Temara, Sale, Kenitra, Khemisset, Sidi Kacem, Larache, Asilah, and Tangier.
In a press release, Dr. Najima Thay Thay Rhozali, president of the International Academy for Intangible Cultural Heritage, stated that this year’s theme aims to revive the historic memory and nostalgia associated with places.
She highlighted the importance of monuments, shrines, and natural landscapes in embodying Morocco’s historical and cultural identity.
She also underscored the festival’s mission to preserve oral traditions, promote cultural diplomacy, and fortify Morocco’s tourism sector while fostering sustainable development.
The festival, celebrated nationally and internationally, has been a cornerstone in promoting Morocco’s intangible and artistic heritage since its creation in 1996.
It attracts a diverse array of storytellers, artists, and researchers from around the globe, encouraging constructive dialogue and cultural exchange.
This year, the festival will welcome more than 170 participants who will bring the streets and squares of Morocco to life.
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Countries from Africa, Europe, the MENA region, Asia, and North and Latin America will converge to share their unique storytelling traditions, exchange global cultural narratives, and connect audiences through art.
Spain has been designated as the guest of honor for this edition, further deepening the cultural ties and exchange between Morocco and its international partners.
The festival is a platform for cultivating storytelling talents among children, youth, and artists, showcasing Morocco’s dedication to preserving its intangible cultural heritage through storytelling.
At its 20th edition, the festival celebrated impressive statistics: drawing over 30,000 attendees, featuring 25 folk music groups, and displaying the talents of 180 storytellers from 44 participating countries.
As the festival begins, Rabat will transform into a vibrant hub of narratives, bridging the past and the present and offering visitors a unique glimpse of Morocco’s diverse cultural mosaic.
The 21st edition of the festival promises to be an enriching experience, inviting attendees to discover, reflect upon, and celebrate the timeless power of storytelling.
