Grand Finale of the 20th Edition of the International Nomads Festival in M’hamid El Ghizlane

A Celebration of Culture: The 20th Edition of the International Nomads Festival

The 20th edition of the International Nomads Festival concluded in grand style on Sunday evening in M’hamid El Ghizlane, featuring a spectacular artistic evening that blended creativity, human warmth, and festive spirit, drawing a large audience from all across Morocco and beyond.

Artists and musical groups, representing a rich cultural mosaic, delivered vibrant performances that showcased the diversity of local expressions while embracing contemporary influences. The Saharan desert reverberated with the sounds of world music, honoring its own heritage in the process.

The evening kicked off with Sahrawi artist Mohamed Ali Ailla and his band from Es-Smara, who captivated the audience with songs that fused traditional Hassani rhythms with modern sounds, triggering a lively interaction with the crowd.

Next, the Moroccan duo Sarah and Ismael celebrated Amazigh culture through a series of authentic pieces. Meanwhile, Moroccan-Hungarian artist Said Chalaban immersed the audience in enchanting Gnawa vibes, before the Algerian singer Kader Tarhanine wrapped up the night with a masterful performance inspired by Tuareg and Sahrawi traditions.

Following the show, Mohamed Ali Ailla expressed his honor in participating in this event, emphasizing that his art is rooted in Hassani memory while incorporating contemporary elements that allow him to reach a wide audience both in Morocco and internationally. He praised the festival’s role in elevating this unique heritage and its significance within the national cultural landscape.

Among the many visitors, Philippe, a French tourist, shared 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 hospitality of the locals."

With this colorful evening, an exceptional edition of the Nomads Festival came to a close, remaining true to its spirit for twenty years: promoting the memory of nomadism and Sahrawi identity as vectors of diversity, encounter, and cultural unity. M’hamid El Ghizlane continues to shine as an artistic and human crossroads, bringing people together around culture.