International Nomads Festival 2024: A nomadic cultural spring in the heart of the desert
The Nomades du Monde association enthusiastically announces an exceptional edition of the International Nomads Festival from March 14 to 16, 2024, highlighting the captivating theme of Sufism among nomads. This mystical celebration will transform M'hamid El Ghizlane into a magical place welcoming Sufi singers and whirling dervishes for a unique cultural experience.
Since its humble beginnings in 2004, the International Nomads Festival has established itself as a true nomadic cultural spring, catalyzing the expression, preservation and celebration of rich nomadic traditions. Uniting nomadic communities, it plays an essential unifying role, creating a unique space for dialogue and exchange between populations from varied cultural backgrounds and contributing to the economic development and opening up of this region far from major centers of activity.
This special edition will delve into the heart of Sufism, exploring the spiritual and artistic dimensions of this ancient tradition. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to witness captivating performances by whirling dervishes and Sufi singers from Dervish Spirit or Mohssen Zeggaf , one of the greatest interpreters of Arab-Andalusian spiritual singing, who will bring a mystical dimension to the rich cultural fabric of the nomads. They will also be able to let themselves be carried away by the breathtaking show of Tanoura by Memo Sapour, and learn about whirling dance during the course led by this famous Egyptian professional dancer.
Artistic practices, exhibitions and traditional activities will combine to offer an unforgettable immersive experience, including demonstrations of sand hockey, camel racing and traditional sand bread baking, and allowing the public to discover the ancestral practices of the desert nomads.
Enlightening lectures will highlight the impact of Sufism on nomadic culture and identity.
In the evening, festival-goers will be enchanted by varied musical performances which will feature Asmâa Hamzaoui, a young guembri virtuoso and her group Bnat Timbouctou, the Angolan singer Té Macedo, Sahrawi music and Sufi songs from Madih by Mohamed Baaiya, the Amazigh rock group Meteor Airlines, Bnat El Ghiwane, the young musicians of M'hamid Band and other renowned artists, in a program that values cultural diversity.
Supported by the Province of Zagora, the ONMT, the Drâa-Tafilalet Region, the Ministry of Culture, the Banque Populaire Foundation, the French Institute of Morocco and many other partners, this particular edition, in harmony with nature, brings new life to this traditional gathering well anchored in the Moroccan cultural calendar.
The organizers warmly invite the public to join this exceptional experience, where the desert becomes the scene of a unique celebration, uniting nomadic culture and Sufi spirituality.
Stay tuned for all updates before, during and after the event via our social networks and the dedicated website www.nomadsfestival.org
Source: websites