فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The city of Fez witnessed the launch of the Moulay Idriss Al-Azhar Festival for 2025 from October 2 to 9, in a vibrant atmosphere rich with authentic cultural and spiritual traditions. This religious and cultural event stands out as one of the city’s most significant heritage occasions, drawing thousands of visitors from Morocco and abroad. Throughout the old city, traditional rituals flourish—featuring performances of Andalusian music, Malhun poetry, and devotional singing sessions. The annual ceremonial procession to present the new ceremonial covering (kiswah) to the shrine of Moulay Idriss Al-Azhar remains the festival’s centerpiece, attended by dignitaries and followers.
Heritage and Folklore Performances
During the festival, Fez transforms into a lively stage for genuine Moroccan art forms. Musical performances by popular groups such as Aissawa and Hamadsha fill the air with spiritual chanting and Sufi melodies, infusing the celebration with awe and beauty. Organizers emphasize the spiritual and historical connection of the event by holding Sufi nights, lectures, and commemorating the life of Moulay Idriss Al-Azhar—whose story is integral to Fez’s foundation and the roots of Moroccan nationhood.
Cultural and Social Dimensions
The festival is also a driver of economic and cultural activity in Fez, with craftsmen and merchants showcasing traditional products in bustling marketplaces. The spiritual ambiance harmonizes with commercial and social life, symbolizing the city’s deep attachment to its enduring heritage and customs. The festival highlights Fez’s role as Morocco’s spiritual capital and reinforces the values of solidarity and loyalty, shared by residents and visitors alike.
Festival Finale and Traditions
The Moulay Idriss Festival concludes with the ceremonial kiswah procession on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This grand, emotional event honors Fez’s founder, bringing together Sufi orders, Idrissid descendants, and crowds of citizens in historic squares and gates like Bab Boujloud. It is a powerful moment linking the city’s past to its present and affirming the vital role of heritage in Moroccan life.
Fez’s annual festival remains a unique occasion for the city to celebrate its historical essence and heritage—in a living tapestry of spiritual, cultural, and communal renewal.
