The Grand Opening of the Mountain Aita Festival
On June 12, 2026, the city of Taounate witnessed the grand opening of the 14th edition of the National Festival of Mountain Aita Arts, an event characterized by the vibrant sounds of traditional mountain music brought to life by various local and national musical groups. Under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this cultural and artistic event is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Cultural Sector, in partnership with the Taounate Province, the Fès-Meknès Regional Council, and the Taounate Municipal Council. This year’s festival runs from June 12 to June 14 under the theme: 'Mountain Aita: Music of the Earth and Humanity.'
Embracing Cultural Heritage
The opening ceremony was presided over by the governor of Taounate, accompanied by the regional director of culture, the deputy president of the regional council responsible for cultural activities, local council presidents, and heads of decentralized regional departments. The event featured a speech from the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, represented by Abdelilah Nfis, the regional director of culture, who expressed his delight at the renewal of this cultural gathering that celebrates the Mountain Aita arts as a profound expression of identity rooted deep in the land and history. He emphasized the ongoing royal patronage of this event, reflecting the esteemed attention of His Majesty King Mohammed VI towards the cultural diversity of the nation and his noble support for the local community and their distinctive intangible cultural heritage.
Nfis highlighted that the Ministry is committed to preserving ancient artistic expressions and rescuing them from extinction, with Mountain Aita being one of the focal points. The festival aims to ensure that these original art forms continue to thrive, transforming them into renewable pillars for cultural and creative industries that bolster the economy. He stated that the organization of the National Festival of Mountain Aita in Taounate serves as an annual meeting point for pleasure and enjoyment for the community, offering a platform for dialogue regarding the preservation and protection of this unique artistic heritage.
The festival featured artistic performances showcasing the Symphony of Mountain Aita, with participation from a select group of artists and musicians from various regions, including Taounate, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Larache, and Wazan. The governor, along with the regional director of youth and culture, representatives of the Fès-Meknès Regional Council, and the president of the Taounate Municipal Council, honored artists Ahmed Attar from Larache, Mehdi Senhaji, Batoul El Hariri, and Bouchaib Al Abadi from Taounate, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to this traditional art form and their role in passing it on to future generations.
Additionally, the opening ceremony included a tribute to the governor of Taounate by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, recognizing the valuable efforts and significant services he has rendered in promoting and supporting the cultural and artistic field within the province.
The festival's inaugural performance was delivered by the Jehjouka group, led by artists Ahmed Attar from Larache, Batoul El Hariri, Abdelsalam Sahli from Ksar al-Kebir, and Ghazlan Idrissi from Tangier, who presented a selection of traditional songs that resonated with the audience. The participating groups captivated the attendees with exceptional musical pieces that reflect the authenticity and richness of Mountain Aita, showcasing the unique and diverse Moroccan musical heritage.
This festival is part of the strategy of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Cultural Sector, aimed at highlighting the diverse Moroccan cultural and artistic heritage through various mechanisms, including festivals. Given the cultural, artistic, historical, and touristic value of Taounate and its surroundings, the ministry acknowledges the cultural and artistic specificity of Mountain Aita, which is deeply rooted in vast regions of northern Morocco. This rich musical heritage is a vital component of the national cultural inheritance, representing a form of artistic expression that embodies the Moroccan cultural identity.
The organization of the festival aligns with the Ministry's vision to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, encourage enthusiasts, ensure its continuity across generations, and support creators and performers as essential elements of the national cultural mosaic.
This year's festival features numerous traditional musical groups focusing on Mountain Aita, alongside various cultural and artistic activities. Throughout its previous editions, the Mountain Aita Festival in Taounate has served as a space for creativity, enhancing cultural appreciation, and providing an aesthetic recreational outlet that reflects the cultural diversity enriching Morocco.
As reported by taounate.net.
