This evening, held at the city's cultural centre, is part of the "Awal" programme of the House of Poetry in Marrakech, which aims to promote Amazigh poetry as an authentic and plural expression of Moroccan identity and to foster encounters between different generations and poetic sensibilities in Morocco.
Visitors discovered the works of iconic figures of Amazigh poetry, notably Salah Aït Salah (Taroudant), Safia Ezzeddine (Ouarzazate), Hayat Bouterfass (Nador), and Abderrahim Amdjar (Chichaoua province), who presented poems drawing on the richness of the Amazigh heritage.
In a statement to MAP, the director of the House of Poetry in Marrakech, Abdelhak Mifrani, emphasised that the "Awal" programme has chosen to honour Amazigh culture through poets from diverse backgrounds and generations, thus illustrating the diversity of Moroccan identity.
Mr. Mifrani also specified that the poets present represent both traditional and modern Amazigh poetry, with approaches blending critique and poetic creation. This diversity highlights the importance of preserving and promoting the Amazigh poetic heritage.
For her part, poet Hayat Bouterfass stated that her poems explore Amazigh culture and identity, deeply rooted in the history of the celebration of Id Yennayer and carriers of the values of Morocco's cultural diversity.
The evening was also marked by an artistic performance by the "Oulad Leblad" group from Tata, specialists in the "El Houaria" art form, in tribute to the tangible and intangible Amazigh heritage.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication - Department of Culture -, in partnership with the Province and the Provincial Council of Al Haouz, as well as the Municipal Council of Aït Ourir, the 2nd edition of the National Festival of Amazigh Culture, which continues until 17 January, aims to celebrate Amazigh culture as an essential component of the Moroccan national identity, by highlighting the richness and diversity of the Amazigh heritage in the fields of music, poetry, theatre, and visual arts.
Held under the theme "Amazigh Culture: Civilisational Heritage and Renewed Creativity", the festival is part of the major guidelines of the supervising Ministry aimed at valuing intangible heritage, preserving national cultural memory, and ensuring its sustainability.
The festival's programme, which continues until 17 January, includes various activities such as musical performances with the participation of 16 local artistic troupes and 6 national troupes, in addition to poetry readings and a theatrical performance in the Amazigh language.
