On 16 and 17 May, the public of the blue city will welcome a selection of renowned artists from here and elsewhere, all styles combined. From the Algerian raï singer Faudel to the Moroccan soul music diva Oum, via the Gnaoui maâlem and jazz enthusiast Majid Bekkas, the carnival rhythms of Sambatuc, the show "Rallumer les étoiles, Kan ya makan" by Fatym Layachi, among other surprises, the programme for this edition aims to be eclectic, rich and diversified. Like an apple that one bites into with full teeth, this edition marks the strong return of the Alegria festival, with the same spirit and the same challenge: to offer festival-goers a mind-blowing musical journey. Without borders. But, beyond the atmosphere that already promises to be feverish, the challenge for the organisers is significant. It is first of all a question of consolidating the achievements of previous editions. Then, it will be a question of giving the event an international dimension. Then, it will be a question of bringing together all the means likely to reveal to the whole world the cultural, artistic and tourist riches of the city of Chaouen. And finally, the objective will also be to make this festival an annual event, which figures prominently in the agenda of major events in Morocco and abroad. So, more than a music festival, more than two days of relaxation and sharing, Alegria is also and above all an ambitious, vast and generous project. Even with a fairly reduced budget, the organisers do not hold back. Nourished by a great passion for music coupled with the desire to make the city of Chaouen a flagship destination for World Music fans, the organisers intend to perpetuate the event. And they have what it takes to hold on. See you tonight and tomorrow for hours of music and unique moments. Questions to: Mohamed Boudiab, Director of the Alegria Festival "The challenge is to do everything to include Alegria in the list of the country's festivals" "Alegria" marks its great return this year. What is the challenge of this 8th edition of the festival?

First, let's salute the return of this beautiful festival organised in this beautiful city. The challenge is to do everything to perpetuate it, to include it in the list of the country's festivals, but also to make the city benefit from significant economic and tourist support. The programme for this year promises to be eclectic and takes on the appearance of a "Without borders" musical journey…

I thank you for the expression, yes this programme reflects the image of this city open to all cultures and all civilisations, although put together at the last minute, the artistic line-up managed by our young artistic director Hicham Benabderrazek was able to bring together renowned artists. What is the contribution of the festival to the city of Chaouen?

Great visibility at all levels, the festival is very well covered by the media and contributes to the economic development of Chaouen. The impact of this festival goes far beyond the 2 days that the festival lasts. After an absence of two years, how could you make Alegria an unmissable event of international stature again?

It is true that the festival experienced a pause for multiple reasons, but the objective of the Chefchaouen Art and Culture Foundation, supported by the Agency for the Development of the Northern Provinces, the governor of the province and the urban commune, is to relaunch this event.

This eighth edition is very special, it marks both the return of Alegria and the commitment of all actors to place it very high and give it an international character.