12th Ahwach Festival in Ouarzazate

Objectives and Patronage

• The festival aimed to showcase the region's cultural richness while preserving and promoting intangible heritage through engagement with regional, national and international communities 
• Organized in partnership between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and Ouarzazate Events Association, with support from Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Council, Ouarzazate Provincial Council, and numerous tourism and cultural institutions 

Program and Events

• The program featured artistic performances in public squares and an intellectual symposium on Ahwach arts with participation from specialized researchers 
• Events included a celebratory artistic carnival through city streets, honoring prominent Ahwach art figures 
• A traditional arts and crafts exhibition plus educational workshops for youth on Ahwach arts and instrument-making techniques 
• This edition featured honorary participation from international heritage troupes (France, Ivory Coast) and national groups totaling over 1,400 artists 

Ahwach art represents a collective heritage art form embodying communal joy in social and economic life, combining dance and lyrical poetry as a tradition created and practiced by both women and men to preserve their history. The festival works toward UNESCO World Heritage recognition for this art form.

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