The sixth International Mata Festival, which takes place from 24 to 28 May, aims to celebrate an ancient local equestrian tradition. Organised by the Al Ghomra Association for Culture and Development, this edition is held under the theme "Labour, competition and celebration... history of a heritage". According to the organisers, the famous traditional horse game "Mata" is still very popular in the tribes of the Tangier-Tetouan region. "The choice of the theme for this edition speaks volumes about our concern to highlight the very philosophy of the annual Mata meeting and what it entails in terms of cultural wealth, traditional heritage, and love for the Earth," indicates Namat Boughaba, director of this sixth festival. The organisers want to make this edition a major cultural event in the colours of the village of Had Algharbia and promise a rich and diversified programme of cultural, artistic, and folkloric activities. This sixth festival features a grand spectacle of the Mata game, an ancient competition very famous in this region. The public will not be unmoved by "this beautiful spectacle, during which each of the best riders in the region seeks to have the pleasure and honour of seizing the 'Mata' figurine and running away with it," explains Mr Boughaba. The programme for this edition includes artistic evenings featuring Moroccan and foreign artists and folkloric troupes, including Hatim Ammor, Yousra Agdor, Chama Zaz, the Senegalese group Yaya Dydat, Oud Rmel, the Akbelein ensemble from Souss, and the Chemel group of Aïta Jabalia. "The opening of this edition will be marked by Touiza, or collective solidarity work, with the participation of several actors including members of the Hassada (harvesters) troupe and those of the riders' troupe. Two competitions are scheduled during this festival to choose the best harvester and the champion of the riders," specifies Mr Boughaba. To combine business with pleasure, this sixth edition is also distinguished by the scheduling of two conferences organised respectively around the themes "Dangers of drugs and prevention" and "The benefits of cactus (plant, flower, and fruit) and its economic impact on the region". The programme also includes a round table on the theme "The protection of Mata heritage". And that is not all; guided tours are organised for the benefit of participants to the prestigious historical site of Iulia Constantia Zilil, where part of the activities of this sixth festival takes place.