Celebrating Andalusian Heritage in the Heart of Paris
From May 29 to June 3, 2026, the Arab World Institute will open its doors wide to the enchanting sounds of Moroccan Arab-Andalusian music during the second edition of the Andaloussiyat festival. Over the course of several days, attendees will be treated to a rich array of concerts, conferences, and workshops that aim to revive a centuries-old musical heritage, where spirituality, poetry, and Mediterranean memory converge in harmony. This year's festival shines a spotlight on Morocco, following the inaugural event that honored Algeria, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between these cultures and their shared histories.
Transmitting a Legacy Through Music
The festival is designed as a three-part celebration, focusing on the grand traditions of Arab-Andalusian music from the Maghreb. In Morocco, the tradition known as Al Ala holds a unique place. This sophisticated genre of music, descended from the Andalusian musicians who fled the Iberian Peninsula after the Reconquista, has taken root in Morocco's imperial cities, gracefully traversing generations while maintaining its exquisite refinement. Each performance, each sung poem, carries with it a narrative of civilization that continues to be passed down, supported by orchestras, brotherhoods, and music masters who resist allowing this heritage to stagnate within the confines of archives.
For five days, the festival will feature a program that showcases the diverse sensitivities of the Moroccan Andalusian scene. The opening performance will be led by singer Ali Rebbahi, whose repertoire fuses Andalusian music, madih, and spiritual samaâ songs, creating an emotional experience that transcends mere musical performance. Additionally, the event will host the Association of Moroccan Andalusian Music Ambassadors in France, a group of young musicians who carry this heritage far beyond Moroccan borders, demonstrating its ongoing evolution and ability to resonate with new generations.
One of the festival's anticipated highlights will be the participation of the Haddarates Chefchaounia, who will introduce the audience to the tradition of hadra—a feminine practice that combines singing, spiritual trance, and collective fervor, deeply rooted in northern Morocco. Following this, the Rabat Orchestra, under the direction of Mohamed Amine Debbi and featuring Bahaa Ronda, will illustrate the richness of the classical Moroccan repertoire, leading up to a grand finale performed by the Rawafid Orchestra, conducted by Omar Metioui, a key figure in contemporary Arab-Andalusian music.
Beyond the concert performances, the Andaloussiyat festival aims to emphasize the importance of transmission. The survival of this art form relies not only on the stage but also on education and learning. Workshops introducing attendees to the iconic instruments of Andalusian music will be led by musician Qaïs Saadi, offering a closer look at the intricacies of this demanding tradition. Far from a folkloric approach, the festival seeks to demonstrate that Arab-Andalusian music remains a vibrant expression capable of engaging with the present without forsaking its rich historical depth.
Organized in partnership with the Association of Andalusian Music Enthusiasts in Morocco (AAMAM), the festival also underscores the Arab World Institute's commitment to making Maghreb cultural heritages spaces for dialogue and exchange between the two shores of the Mediterranean. This initiative serves as a reminder that these musical traditions, born from the movement and mingling of peoples, continue to narrate a shared story even today.
As reported by lecourrierdelatlas.com.
