The presentation of this edition of the Fes festival took place at the Barcelona Centre of Contemporary Culture at the initiative of the Spirit of Fes Foundation and the Ibn Battuta Foundation, with the support of the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed) and the Barcelona City Council.
This edition, which will transport festival-goers through the centuries in an unprecedented immersion into world cultures, will see the participation of troupes from more than 15 countries and will begin with an exceptional scenographic and musical creation, indicated the president of the Spirit of Fes Foundation, Abderrafie Zouitene.
Initiated under the theme of "Renaissances", this edition offers a fantastic journey through space and time, given the quality of the artists and musical groups who will converge on Fes from all four corners of the planet for an intercultural and spiritual dialogue, he noted.
Mr. Zouitene observed that the theme of this edition is in perfect harmony with the spirit of Morocco, which, year after year, positions itself as a space of cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal thanks to the visionary insight of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
He further explained that the presentation in Barcelona of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music reflects the organizers' desire to perpetuate the values of intercultural dialogue, the blending of civilizations, and openness to the Other.
For his part, the president of the Ibn Battuta Foundation, Mohamed Chaib, indicated that the presentation in Spain of the Fes festival's programme constitutes a renewed novelty in the Foundation's cultural agenda to highlight the richness of this imperial city as well as the exceptional nature of its festival.
Spain and Morocco are two friendly countries, very close in geography and history, but also in culture, which constitutes one of the best ways to strengthen ties between countries and peoples, he continued.
Mr. Chaib noted that the Fes Festival, through its international aura, constitutes a true platform through which Morocco affirms its openness as a country of coexistence and living together. It presents itself as a bridge of communication and intercultural dialogue, working in favour of promoting the values of peace and understanding between peoples, cultures, and civilizations, he maintained.
Another highlight of this event was the intervention via videoconference of Spain's greatest voice, Miguel Poveda, who said he was "very honoured" to participate in this edition of the festival and to present a new fusion of flamenco music.
The ceremony presenting the programme for the 28th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music was marked by the screening of a promotional film about the Festival and the performance of a flamenco-Andalusian fusion "Nila Nour", created especially for the occasion by a group of Moroccan and Spanish artists who transported the audience on a magical musical journey where Arab-Andalusian sounds transcend all borders.
