Fes Hosts a Grand Carnival to Mark the 10th Edition of the National Street Arts Festival
The city of Fes witnessed a vibrant celebration on Saturday as it closed the 10th edition of the National Street Arts Festival with a magnificent carnival parade. This year’s event saw participation from more than 2,000 individuals, including folk art groups and street performers, and was enhanced by a stunning aerial display featuring 400 drones. The festival was organized under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication coordinating efforts alongside the Fes-Meknes Regional Authority and the local municipality.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Abd El Ilah Nfis, the Regional Director of Culture for the Fes-Meknes region, highlighted that this edition was remarkable for showcasing artistic and cultural teams from various regions across the kingdom. The concluding parade was a collective expression of national pride, featuring traditional costumes representing all twelve regions of Morocco, accompanied by brass bands, rhythmic performers, and stilt walkers. It was a vibrant display of unity and cultural diversity.
Beginning from the Regional Directorate of Culture, the parade traversed the streets of Moulay Youssef, Hassan II, and Allal Ben Abdallah, attracting large crowds of enthusiastic spectators. The performances incorporated vivid artistic displays and life-sized sculptures that celebrated significant milestones in Morocco’s contemporary history, including the Green March and notable achievements in socio-economic development.
As night fell, the sky above Bab Al-Amr Square lit up with the synchronized formations of 400 drones, creating stunning light displays that depicted various national symbols, including the national flag and the map of Morocco, all to the cheers of the audience. This year’s festivities culminated in three days of artistic activities that began on October 29, featuring performances in multiple venues around the city, including Boujloud Square, Bab Al-Amr Square, and the Ain Kadous Cultural Center. The festival's agenda also included street theater, circus acts, and exhibitions of visual arts, celebrating the richness of Moroccan cultural heritage.
In addition to the carnival parade, the festival featured musical nights in Boujloud Square, showcasing artists from diverse backgrounds and traditional music groups, contributing to a program that celebrated the artistic expressions and cultural wealth of Morocco.
As reported by assabah.ma.
