Berkane launches 13th Oriental folk arts festival celebrating cultural heritage

The Oriental folk arts festival opened its 13th edition on Thursday evening in Berkane under the theme “Folk arts between the memory of peoples and the algorithms of the future.” The event highlights Morocco’s efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage while exploring how modern technologies and artificial intelligence can support its protection.

Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the festival is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in partnership with the Province of Berkane, the Provincial Council, the Municipality of Berkane, the Oriental Development Agency and Marafiq Berkane.

The opening ceremony brought together Governor Hamid Chnouri, representatives of the Ministry of Culture, officials from the Oriental Development Agency, elected representatives and local personalities. The evening featured performances by the Rawnaqiyate Reggada troupe, the Rokba troupe from Zagora and a Spanish flamenco ensemble, reflecting both Moroccan traditions and international cultural exchange.

A documentary showcasing the richness of Morocco’s folk arts was screened during the ceremony. Organizers also paid tribute to several “Living Human Treasures” in recognition of their role in preserving and transmitting traditional cultural practices. Visitors attended parallel exhibitions dedicated to the region’s artistic heritage.

Festival director Yassine Abdellaoui said the theme reflects the Ministry’s long-term strategy to promote Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage while examining how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can contribute to its documentation and preservation. He noted that this year’s edition features nearly 28 local and regional heritage groups alongside international participation from Spain.

Representatives of the Arfa and Reggada troupe of Berkane and the Rokba troupe of Zagora emphasized the importance of the festival in safeguarding traditional arts from disappearing and passing them on to younger generations. They also praised the event’s organization and the recognition given to veteran performers whose work has helped preserve Morocco’s cultural identity.

The festival runs until July 25 and includes workshops on folk storytelling and visual arts, as well as a scientific conference titled “Folk arts and the algorithms of the future: A cultural and cognitive approach.” Researchers and university specialists are participating in discussions on the relationship between heritage preservation and emerging technologies.

To expand access to cultural activities across the province, organizers have scheduled artistic performances and conferences in several municipalities around Berkane. The initiative supports broader cultural outreach while strengthening regional participation.

The festival aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Morocco’s Oriental region, increase public awareness of its diversity and reinforce its contribution to cultural development at both the national and international levels. The event also builds on the recent recognition of the Oriental region’s folk arts as part of the Islamic World’s intangible cultural heritage by ICESCO.