Morocco’s Fes Festival of World Sacred Music will return from June 4 to 7 with a shortened four-day program focused on artisans and traditional craftsmanship, as organisers reposition the event around heritage and transmission of skills.
The 29th edition, held under the theme “Fes and the Maâlems, guardians of craft and heritage,” will highlight the role of master artisans in shaping the cultural and social fabric of the city, organisers said.
The festival, founded in 1994 and held annually in the historic city of Fes, has built an international reputation as a platform for dialogue between cultures and spiritual traditions through music and artistic exchange.
This year’s edition marks a shift in format, with a more condensed programme featuring around 160 artists and 18 performances across multiple venues, including Bab Makina, where the opening show is scheduled for June 4.
Organisers said the focus on artisans reflects a broader effort to reconnect the festival with Fes’ identity as a centre of craftsmanship, where traditional trades remain central to economic and cultural life.
Alongside concerts, the programme includes forums, exhibitions and cultural events exploring the link between artistic creation, traditional knowledge and spirituality. The festival has historically combined performances with intellectual debate, positioning itself as both a cultural and reflective space.
The 2026 edition also aligns with wider cultural diplomacy efforts, including events marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Germany, with collaborative performances involving international and Moroccan artists.
A new prize aimed at supporting young talent will be introduced, targeting emerging artists and craftspeople as part of efforts to sustain intergenerational transmission of skills.
The festival takes place against a broader push by Moroccan institutions to promote cultural heritage as both an economic sector and a soft power tool, particularly in cities such as Fes, where tourism and traditional industries are closely linked.
Despite the shortened format, organisers say the event will maintain its core mission of fostering cultural exchange and highlighting Morocco’s role as a meeting point between artistic, spiritual and intellectual traditions.
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