They return for a 22nd edition: Atlantic Andalusias: Essaouira celebrates the richness of its musical heritage

Festival From October 29 to 31, 2026, the 22nd edition of Atlantic Andalusias will take over Essaouira for three days of musical encounters focused on sharing and intercultural dialogue. Between Moroccan traditions, Judeo-Moroccan songs, Andalusian music, Gnaoua, and flamenco, the event continues its commitment to a living and plural heritage. In Essaouira, music remains a universal language capable of bringing cultures closer and fostering dialogue between memories. From October 29 to 31, Atlantic Andalusias returns for a 22nd edition that reaffirms the festival's vocation: to make cultural diversity a common wealth and musical transmission a link between generations. On the programme, the musical encounters highlight the multiple expressions of Moroccan heritage. Under the direction of Rachid Lahkim, popular songs join the world of the Issawa, led by the troupe of Lhaj Saïd Berrada. A true Moroccan Lila unfolds around emblematic pieces such as "Lghzal Fatma", "Rfeq Ya Malki", and "Lalla Ghita Moulati". Beyond the musical performance, this gathering celebrates Tamghrabit, made of generosity, conviviality, and transmission. At 11 p.m., Samia El Antri returns to a stage intimately linked to her artistic journey. Discovered by the festival at the age of fifteen, she embodies this new generation of talents that Atlantic Andalusias supports and helps to grow. The evening continues at Dar Souiri with "Around the table - Our noubas, our voices, our memory". In an atmosphere inspired by Shabbat, the Paytanim of Matrouz, led by Avraham Edri, reunite with the Madihiyine of Essaouira, under the direction of Hamza Jorti. Together, they make Andalusian noubas resonate in Arabic and Hebrew, inviting the public to fully participate in this musical experience. Flamenco and Gnaoua at the heart of the dialogue On Saturday, October 31, the Forum of Andalusias continues at Bayt Dakira, while Dar Souiri hosts "Marhba Blli Ja Andna", a meeting bringing together Nouhaila El Kalai, Anass Belhachemi, and Hicham Dinar around different expressions of Moroccan musical heritage, before the performance of Mohamed Aaboud. In the evening, contemporary flamenco makes its debut at the festival with Olga Pericet. Awarded in Spain for her career as a dancer and choreographer, she will share the stage with Hamid Ajbar and his musicians. This encounter promises a dialogue between flamenco gestures and Arab-Andalusian sounds, in homage to the common cultural heritage of both sides of the Mediterranean. Another highlight of this edition: the encounter between Piyut and Gnaoua. The HaPiyut Ensemble and Maâlma Hind Ennaira will bring to life a project long supported by André Azoulay. Judeo-Moroccan liturgical chants will dialogue with Gnaoua rhythms and melodies, in an unprecedented creation uniting two traditions deeply rooted in the history of Morocco. Since 2003, Atlantic Andalusias has championed a vision of culture based on openness, coexistence, and dialogue. In Essaouira, heritages are not limited to memory: they are transmitted, reinvented, and shared through encounters. This 22nd edition thus aims to remind us that diversity is a strength and that music can give rise to new forms of creation from common traditions. More than a festival, Atlantic Andalusias presents itself as a meeting space where differences nourish a living heritage, open to future generations.