فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
July 3–6, 2025 – Volubilis Archaeological Site and Meknes City
Under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist and support him, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Department of Culture, in cooperation with the Meknes Prefecture, is organizing the 24th edition of the International World Traditional Music Festival of Volubilis. The festival will take place at the Volubilis archaeological site and the city of Meknes from July 3 to 6, 2025.
This festival aligns with the Ministry’s approach to preserving cultural and artistic heritage and protecting intangible cultural assets in their various creative and expressive forms. It also aims to promote and support artistic creativity and openness to world cultures. The Volubilis International Festival is one of the most important festivals receiving special attention due to its connection to an ancient historical and archaeological site, similar to other major festivals held at archaeological sites worldwide. The festival celebrates cultural heritage in its diverse forms and geographical affiliations, while honoring practitioners who ensure the continuity of this cultural and artistic legacy. Furthermore, it highlights the touristic, civilizational, and historical features of the hosting sites (Volubilis archaeological site, Zerhoun region, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun city, and the old city of Meknes), contributing to enhancing the cultural and artistic reputation of these areas and integrating them into their economic and social environment.
Festival Highlights and Program
This year’s edition combines cultural exchange and artistic fusion with musical entertainment, featuring 50 performances by artists and traditional groups from Morocco and abroad. They will showcase a variety of artistic expressions and traditional musical heritage across four venues: the Volubilis archaeological site, the Administrative Square, Al-Hadim Square, and the Faqih Mohammed Al-Manouni Cultural Center. Participating countries include Spain, Peru, Russia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting the festival’s rich cultural and artistic diversity.
Honoring Pioneers of Moroccan Performing Arts
In recognition of their invaluable contributions to preserving Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage and spreading traditional arts, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication will honor a distinguished group of artists: Mohamed Derhem, Mohamed Said Al-Meftahi, Aziza Al-Maknasiya, and Abdel Rahim Al-Omrani.
Detailed Festival Program
Thursday, July 3, 2025
- 19:00 – 20:30: Reception and tour of Volubilis archaeological site
- 20:30 – 20:40: Opening speech by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication
- 20:40 – 22:20: Performance by Los Verdaderos (Spain)
- Presentation of honorary plaques to the distinguished artists
- Traditional artistic performance featuring Mohamed Derhem, Nabil Al-Khaldi, and Master Baqbu
- Performance by the Aissawa Brotherhood led by Commander Othman Benmoumen
Friday, July 4, 2025
- Administrative Square: Traditional performances by Gnawa Girls Group (led by Master Abdel Nabi), Al-Omrawi Brotherhood of Meknes (led by Samir Al-Omrawi), followed by Los Verdaderos (Spain), Takada Group, artist Mous Maher, and artist Al-Daoudi.
- Al-Hadim Square: Performances by Gnawa Al-Swani Group (led by Master Idris Rassal), Women’s Group of Al-Masmoudi Art (led by Somaya Al-Maknasiya), Mode Band (Côte d’Ivoire), Al-Hadra Al-Shaounia Group (led by Hanan Medyan), artist Aicha Tashinwit, and artist Faiza Atlas.
- Faqih Mohammed Al-Manouni Cultural Center: Mohamed Beryoul Orchestra (led by Idris Barada), Malhun evening featuring Hakima Tariq, Mohamed Al-Abdlawi, and Abdel Samad Bouayad, and Gnawa Rouge Group.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
- Administrative Square: Traditional performances by the Aissawa Brotherhood (led by Commander Shafiq Al-Mutawakkil), Gnawa Group (led by Master Zidan), Africa Fusion (Senegal), artist Nadia Al-Aroussi, artist Muslim, and artist Badr Oubei.
- Al-Hadim Square: Performances by Ahl Touat Group (led by Rachid Touati), Amsasa Ahidous Group, Jazz for You Band (Russia), artist Oumayma Amsadi, artist Bilal Al-Maghribi, and artist Mustafa Al-Masnawi.
- Faqih Mohammed Al-Manouni Cultural Center: Sufi night featuring Rouh Meknes Group (led by artist Yassin Habibi), Aissawa Brotherhood (led by Suhaim and Mokhtar, led by Hamid Bouhlal), and Al-Hadra Al-Jilaliya Group (led by Rashida Al-Marrakshiya).
Sunday, July 6, 2025 – Festival Closing
- Administrative Square: Traditional performances by Aissawa Brotherhood (led by Somaya Al-Houziya), Meknes Dikka Group (led by Ayoub Al-Taqi), Afro-Perou Band (Peru), artist Zakaria Al-Ghafouli, artist Mohamed Adli, and artist Tahour.
- Al-Hadim Square: Performances by Aissawa Brotherhood (led by Abdel Magid Hadif), Al-Hamdoushia Brotherhood (led by Commander Anwar Al-Daqaqi), artist Mustafa Al-Kamrani, artist Najat Al-Hassima, artist Mustafa Omkil, and artist Youssef Zoubid.
- Faqih Mohammed Al-Manouni Cultural Center: Amazigh evening featuring artist Lahcen Al-Khenifri, artist Yamna Al-Omrawi, and artist Korda Baldiq.
The International World Traditional Music Festival of Volubilis offers a unique opportunity to celebrate both global and local musical heritage, foster cultural exchange, and highlight the historical and civilizational significance of the Volubilis archaeological site and the city of Meknes. The festival’s distinguished artistic and cultural presence enriches both the Moroccan and international cultural landscapes.
