The kick-off of the National Festival of Ahouache Arts, which is being held from August 11 to 13 under the High Patronage of H.M. King Mohammed VI, was given on Thursday in Ouarzazate with the performance of the Tissint group, which amazed a large public who came in large numbers to admire the opening ceremony of this artistic event in the historic space of the Kasbah of Taourirte.
Considered among the most important Ahouache dances, the Tissint dance is also known as the dagger dance due to the presence of the dagger as a symbol and essential element of the choreography.
The Tissint group representing the city of Tata brilliantly revisited a selection of the most beautiful songs of this heritage art, thus enchanting enthusiasts from various horizons.
Subsequently, the local group Fint and Tikirt, Aklaf Essif of Zagora, Ahouache Afous Gho Fous (Guelmim) and the troupe of Ahouache stars, among others, took turns on stage before inflaming the spectators with songs as enchanting as each other.
Initiated by the Ministry of Culture, this Festival, which presents an aspect of the national intangible heritage with all its components (costumes, lyrics, rhythms and dances), aims above all to contribute to the promotion of Ouarzazate as a cultural and tourist destination and to preserve the art of Ahwache as one of the main tributaries of Moroccan culture and heritage.
Speaking on this occasion, the regional director of culture of Draa-Tafilalet, Lahsen Echarfy, stressed that the organisation of this edition is part of the context of advanced regionalisation implemented by the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of culture and tourism as vectors of sustainable development.
Lahsen Echarfy also noted the need to preserve this rich heritage which constitutes an added value to regional development, calling in this sense on all the parties concerned to combine efforts with a view to ensuring the influence of the festival, which has become over time an unmissable cultural event.
Initiated in partnership with the province of Ouarzazate, the provincial assembly, the municipal council and the provincial tourism council, this 5th edition is distinguished by a rich and varied programme. More than 480 artists representing different Ahouache groups throughout the Kingdom will host major artistic shows for three days.
The programme also includes a conference on intangible heritage and development, a poetry evening as well as exhibitions of traditional clothing and visual arts.
As is tradition, the organisers also paid tribute during the opening ceremony to two pioneers of the art of Ahouache in recognition of their contribution to making this intangible cultural heritage known and preserving it.
Specialists in cultural issues consider the art of Ahouache as a school of poetry, rhythm, dance and expression describing a way of life of local populations, especially in the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas regions.
