The oldest festival in Morocco is preparing to complete its first century of existence. The event crowned by the celebration of beauty will hold its 94th edition from 19 to 22 June in Sefrou under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Besides this royal solicitude of which the initiators are proud, this edition is considered the second after the inscription of the festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with UNESCO. "This great cultural, tourist, and economic event sees its success and influence strongly enhanced thanks to these two distinctions," they congratulate themselves. The success of the Cherry Festival also draws its strength from a vast popular adherence and from the participatory and partnership approach that accompanies its organisation. Moreover, all local actors, the municipality, the "Les Cerises" association, provincial and local authorities, external services, economic and social actors, civil society, public and private partners, media partners, and sponsors contribute actively to the organisation of the festival. And as usual, the organisers have ensured the diversification, innovation, and enrichment of the festival programme while preserving its specificities, its character, and its authenticity. In addition to the preliminary programme (from 15 to 19 June) which includes artistic activities, a cleanliness campaign, and environmental actions initiated by civil society, the official programme (from 19 to 22 June) is rich in events. Thus, the 1st day of the festival will be marked by the official opening of various exhibitions and the organisation of different shows (fantasia, popular arts). The highlight of the 2nd day will be the official coronation ceremony of Miss Cerisette which will take place at the large Bab Lamkam square in the presence of official personalities. This ceremony will be hosted by the Royal Navy musical troupe, the Laasri Orchestra, and popular arts troupes, and presented by the host Rachid Allali. It will be followed by an artistic evening with the participation of national stars like Saad Lamjarrad, Sami Ray, Groupe Siham, and many others. The next day, Miss Cerisette will parade through Mohammed V Boulevard and Bab Lamkam Square. The festival will be closed by the awarding of sports prizes and trophies and a parade of folkloric troupes, musical and artistic associations through the various arteries of the city.
Festival 10 Jun 2014 2 min read
Cherry Festival: A century of beauty

