Kick-off of the International Festival of Halqa and Popular Arts of Sidi Bennour

An international carnival as an opening

The 4th edition of the International Festival of Halqa and Popular Arts (FIHAP) opens today in the Sidi Bennour province under the theme "Highlighting the Halqa as human heritage".

For its fourth edition, this cultural event is opening up internationally by integrating Arab, African, and European troupes, the organisers indicate in a press release.

The FIHAP revolves around Halqa spaces animated by "Hlaygia" who have come from several regions. It includes popular artistic evenings, theatre plays from Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia, two exhibitions on world heritage in Morocco (Medinas, falconry) provided by the Directorate of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture, children's morning sessions, fantasia (13 to 15 April), and other entertainment.

On the programme for this annual meeting is a round table under the theme "The Halqa, highlighting a universal heritage". On this occasion, the Oualidia commune will host Halqa spaces, theatrical performances, and entertainment for young people.

An international carnival, whose parade will travel through Sidi Bennour in the company of Moroccan and foreign artists, will kick off these festivities.

This festival is organised by the Nass El Comédia Troupe Association in partnership with the local authorities of Sidi Bennour and its Urban Commune, the Oualidia Commune, and the Association of Graduates of the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Sciences (ALINSAP) with the support of other partners.

Let us underline that a scientific commission at the Ministry of Culture has been established to take charge of the application file for the inscription of the "Halqa" on the UNESCO list of intangible universal heritage.

The Festival is held until 15 April.