Held under the theme “Culture and intangible heritage as a foundation for sustainable development in mountain areas,” the festival’s summer edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s landmark speech in Agdzir on Oct. 17, 2001, which marked an important stage in promoting Amazigh language and culture as an integral part of Morocco’s national identity.
The festival is being held as part of celebrations marking the anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People and Youth Day. It is organized under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, with support from national, regional and local institutional partners.
The opening ceremony, chaired by Khénifra Governor Mohamed Adel Ihourane and attended by officials as well as civil and cultural figures, featured excerpts from the King’s 2001 Agdzir speech, followed by a ceremony honoring several figures for their contributions to art, documentation and sports.
Mohamed Yassine, president of the Spirit of Agdzir Atlas Foundation in Khénifra, highlighted the province’s rich cultural and historical heritage and its role in preserving and promoting Amazigh culture.
He said the foundation seeks to direct its annual programs toward serving the province, highlighting the potential of mountain areas and responding to the needs of their communities.
Yassine described the festival as an opportunity to promote Amazigh heritage in the Middle Atlas as a contributor to broader development, noting the particular significance of this year’s edition due to its coincidence with the 25th anniversary of the Agdzir speech.
Read also : Essaouira brings global artists and young audiences together through reggae music
The festival continues to expand its national and international reach through its summer and autumn editions. The next edition, scheduled for October, will include the publication of an “Anthology of Amazigh Songs of the Middle Atlas.”
The program features musical and artistic performances inspired by Amazigh cultural heritage from Khénifra and the Middle Atlas, alongside appearances by artists and creators from different parts of Morocco.
An exhibition of local and agricultural products was also opened at Khénifra’s 20 August Square. Organized by the Spirit of Agdzir Atlas Foundation with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, the exhibition runs from Aug. 21 to 30.
It aims to promote the province’s agricultural and local-product potential, support cooperatives and local producers, and encourage the development and marketing of regional products as part of efforts to boost the local economy and sustainable development in mountain areas.
