A Grand Finale to the 20th Edition of the International Festival of Nomads in M’hamid El Ghizlane
The 20th Edition of the International Nomads Festival Concludes with a Flourish
The 20th edition of the International Nomads Festival came to a spectacular close on Sunday evening in M’hamid El Ghizlane. The event featured a vibrant artistic soirée that encapsulated creativity, human warmth, and a festive spirit, drawing a diverse audience from across Morocco and beyond.
Artists and musical groups, representing a rich cultural mosaic, delivered electrifying performances that showcased the array of local expressions while embracing contemporary influences. The Saharan desert pulsated to the rhythm of world music, all the while honoring its own distinctive heritage.
The evening kicked off with Sahrawi artist Mohamed Ali Ailla and his band from Es-Smara, who captivated the audience with their songs that blended traditional Hassani rhythms with modern sounds. Their performance sparked lively interaction from the crowd.
Next, the Moroccan duo Sarah and Ismael celebrated Amazigh culture through a series of authentic pieces. Maroco-Hungarian artist Said Chalaban transported the audience into enthralling Gnawa atmospheres, before Algerian singer Kader Tarhanine delivered a masterful performance inspired by Tuareg and Sahrawi traditions, bringing the evening to a powerful conclusion.
Following the show, Mohamed Ali Ailla expressed his honor in participating in the festival. He emphasized that his art is rooted in Hassani memory while integrating contemporary elements, allowing him to connect with a wide audience, both in Morocco and internationally. He praised the festival’s role in enhancing this unique heritage and its significance in the national cultural landscape.
Among the many attendees, Philippe, a French tourist, voiced his awe: “I had heard about the Nomads Festival, but I didn’t expect such a wealth of experiences. Everything here exudes authenticity: the music, the exchanges, and the warm welcome from the locals.”
With this colorful evening, a remarkable edition of the Nomads Festival drew to a close, staying true to its spirit for the past twenty years: promoting the memory of nomadism and Sahrawi identity as vehicles for diversity, connection, and cultural unity. M’hamid El Ghizlane continues to shine as an artistic and human crossroads, bringing together people through culture.
