Saleh Mensari, the leader of Abidat Rma of Oued Zem, is a regular at the festival.
“It is our 24th participation in the festival, which is why we are very popular here,” said Saleh.
“Our songs are a blend of political, social and satirical topics, allowing the fans to interact with us,” said Mensari as he held big scissors, a key traditional instrument used while singing.
Mensari said that the dance moves emulate the foal.
Abdellah Ait Lhaj, the head of Ahouach Taroudant, thanked the festival organisers and urged the Marrakechi public to come and watch them perform throughout the festival.
Wearing a glittering blue djellaba ornamented by the khanjar (traditional dagger), Ait Lhaj leads his troupe with a synchronised dance based on shoulder and feet movements.
“The khanjar is more than 30 years old and is 100% made in Morocco,” he said.
“My father was the head of the troupes but he retired and handed me the khanjar,” he proudly explained.
Mohamed Knidiri, president of FNAP and the Grand Atlas Association, said the festival is considered as a big heritage event for the country, which represents Moroccans’ identity and culture.
Samira Lemlizi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, emphasised the high patronage of King Mohammed VI which guarantees continuity and radiance of the festival, which continues to bear its fruits in Marrakech since its inception in 1960s.
“These are laudable efforts that have been found in the masterpieces of our rich artistic heritage, a strange attraction that dazzles with its diversity and its continuing effects for successive generations, despite the transformations witnessed in forms of viewing and tastes,” said Lemlizi at the opening ceremony of the festival.
She extended her great praise to musicians, artists, poets and associations for their decisive role in preserving popular arts, enriching them, conveying them to the future, and presenting them to the world in their best forms of excitement and entertainment.
More than 700 Moroccan artists as well as almost 100 international artists from Asia and African are taking part in the FNAP from July 4 to 8 in Marrakech.
Since 2022, the FNAP has opened up to international cultures, including Spain, Germany and China.
“There is an exchange of popular arts and cultures between countries. This year, we invited China due to the strong ties between the two nations, which have very rich cultural history,” said Knidiri.
