The Moussem Moulay Abdallah Amghar, one of Morocco’s most significant religious and cultural festivals, kicked off on Friday in El Jadida in central Morocco. The festival, running until August 18, is under the theme “Morocco’s Challenges Between Roots and Modernity.”
The interim Governor of El Jadida Province, Mohamed Samir El Khamlichi, local council presidents, and the president of the El Jadida Provincial Council of Ulemas attended the opening ceremony. The event featured the presentation of participating Sorbas (traditional horseback riders), along with a religious ceremony showcasing performances by various Madih and Samaa groups (religious readings).
Mohamed Zahidi, President of the El Jadida Provincial Council, highlighted the new features of this year’s edition. Notably, the festival has been extended to last ten days and places greater emphasis on religious activities. He also mentioned the introduction of new logistical services to facilitate movement and ensure smooth traffic flow for participants and visitors.
Abdelmajid Moheb, President of the El Jadida Council of Ulemas, underscored the event’s religious significance. This year, the 15th edition of the “Éclats Religieux” book will be distributed to festival-goers, along with various religious activities and contests.
Moulay Mehdi El Fatemi, President of the Moulay Abdallah Communal Council, pointed out the extensive preparations made to ensure the festival’s success. He noted that “with approximately 120 Sorbas and nearly 2,000 horse riders from across Morocco participating, around 4 million visitors are expected.”
This year’s program includes conferences on themes related to the festival’s topic, local product exhibitions, and market spaces. Artistic evenings will feature popular music stars, including Amazigh music icons and folk groups, performing regularly on different stages.