The sixth edition of the Nomads Festival “Majal Beni Guil” officially opened in Tendrara on Tuesday, July 21, under the theme “Promoting Beni Guil heritage as a driver of territorial development.”
The five-day event is organized by the Al Karama Foundation for Social Development to mark the 27th anniversary of Throne Day, with support from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Culture Department), the Chamber of Handicrafts in Oujda, the Figuig provincial authorities, and the municipality of Tendrara.
The festival aims to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of the Beni Guil region by showcasing the nomadic way of life and the values associated with it, including authenticity, hospitality, solidarity, and a strong connection to the land. It also highlights the cultural, historical, and natural assets of Beni Guil and the wider Figuig province.
Speaking to MAP, Al Karama Foundation President Abdelmajid El Kassmi said the festival has maintained its cultural and social character since its first edition while contributing to the development momentum of Morocco’s Oriental region through the preservation of local heritage and cultural values.
He said this year’s edition features a diverse program, including “tbourida” performances by some of Morocco’s top troupes, including winners of major competitions at the El Jadida Horse Show and Dar Es Salam. The festival will also host the first edition of its “Grand Prix for tbourida.”
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El Kassmi added that the annual event seeks to enhance the value of local heritage, strengthen the cultural profile of Beni Guil and Figuig Province, and create a meeting place for residents, visitors, and cultural stakeholders.
Halima El Aissaoui, the provincial director of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in Figuig, said the festival provides an opportunity to showcase both the tangible and intangible heritage of the region. Exhibits and activities highlight nomadic traditions, traditional clothing, local cuisine, and handicrafts that reflect the craftsmanship of local artisans.
She noted that the festival goes beyond celebrating oral traditions and artistic heritage by positioning local culture as a catalyst for regional development and investment that benefits local communities.
Abdelmajid Rabah, representing the Oriental Region Development Agency, said the agency’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting cultural and heritage events that promote the region’s identity, particularly its long-standing pastoral traditions and customs.
The opening ceremony featured a wide range of cultural, artistic, social, and sporting activities. Visitors can enjoy “tbourida” performances by local and regional troupes, a regional handicrafts exhibition, a dinosaur exhibition, and entertainment designed for children.
The festival’s program also includes conferences on “mining literature” and “collective lands,” Qur’an memorization competitions and a Qur’anic procession, sporting events and martial arts demonstrations, performances of “Hadra Beni Guil,” “a Poetry Tent,” and a networking forum bringing together professionals and talents from Tendrara. Evening musical performances will round out the program, showcasing the cultural diversity of both the local area and the wider Oriental region.
