Hassani Tents Festival: A 4th Edition Dedicated to National Unity
The 4th edition of the Hassani Cultural Tents Festival opened on Wednesday evening in Rabat, under the theme: “Fifty Years of the Green March… and Hassani Culture at the Forefront of National Constants.” Organized by the National Forum of Hassani Heritage, the event pays tribute to a foundational moment in modern Moroccan history and highlights the richness of Hassani cultural heritage.
This edition, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, as well as the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, is part of the commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the Green March. It provides a space for artistic and intellectual valorization aligned with the central role of Hassani heritage in the national cultural project.
Hosted at the National Library of the Kingdom until December 6, this cultural event confirms its status as a major gathering showcasing the traditions, arts, and contemporary expressions of southern Morocco. It also enhances the prominence of Hassani heritage within the national cultural landscape.
Senegal, as the guest of honor, is celebrated in recognition of the strong historical and spiritual ties that unite the two countries. This choice also reflects the strategic vision of the Kingdom to deepen South-South cultural cooperation and strengthen African relations.
At the opening, Khadija Laabid, president of the National Forum of Hassani Heritage, emphasized that this “exceptional” edition celebrates two significant moments: the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the Unity Festival, established by His Majesty King Mohammed VI after UN resolution 2797 affirming Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. She highlighted the symbolic significance of Hassani culture as a pillar of national identity and an essential source of historical roots.
In her remarks, the Senegalese ambassador to Morocco, Seynabou Dial, praised the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving African cultural heritage, underscoring the importance of this festival in fostering connections between peoples.
The opening ceremony featured folkloric performances by troupes from the Southern provinces, alongside a Senegalese musical performance. The thematic tents of the festival were also inaugurated, kicking off a rich program that combines music, heritage, collective memory, and artistic celebration.
A special tribute was paid to the national resistance figure Brahim Douihi, an emblematic symbol of the defense of national constants and Hassani culture.
