The International Festival of Nomads Celebrates Its 20th Edition in the Heart of the Desert
20th Edition of the International Nomads Festival Kicks Off in M’Hamid El Ghizlane
The 20th edition of the International Nomads Festival began Thursday in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, under the theme "A City Without Walls in the Heart of the Desert." This event, now a must-attend gathering, captivated audiences from the opening ceremony with vibrant artistic performances that transported spectators into a cultural journey deep within the Sahara. The focus was on the rich intangible heritage of the region, an essential vehicle for culture and sustainable development.
The evening featured impressive performances, including the Malian group "Imarhan Timbuktu," along with traditional dances (including Regba, El Gedra, and El Chemra) and lively showcases by the troupe "Les Pigeons du Sable," set to the rhythms of the guembri and the sounds of gnaoua music.
Noureddine Bougrab, founder and director of the festival, expressed to MAP that "this festival is a unique event that brings together festival-goers from around the world to celebrate the richness of our culture and heritage." He added that the 2025 edition will stand out with a highly diverse program that blends tradition and modernity. This festival embodies "the harmony between the past and the present" and aims to be a space of creative expression that reflects the vast and welcoming spirit of the Sahara.
Among the prestigious guests, the group Nass Al-Ghiwane, dubbed "the Rolling Stones of Africa," will pay tribute to the festival’s 20th anniversary with an exceptional concert. On Sunday, Moroccan artist Saïd Tichiti, ambassador of Amazigh, Gnawa, and Hassani music, will provide the audience with an unforgettable musical experience, merging traditional sounds with contemporary influences.
The duo "Sarah and Ismaïl" will also delight attendees with a subtle blend of Amazigh melodies and modern music. Renowned artists, including the Algerian group "Kader Tarhanine," will also participate in this international event.
The festival will feature exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts, visual arts, and local gastronomic specialties. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover desert dances, ancestral sports, and demonstrations of craftsmanship that illustrate the diversity and splendor of the Sahara.
Conferences and workshops will focus on the challenges of sustainable development in desert regions, environmental preservation, and cybersecurity. On Saturday, the camel race and the traditional nomadic hockey will add an authenticity to the celebration.
One of the highlights of this edition will be the Digital Drâa Caravan, launched by the Moroccan Internet Society (MISOC), aimed at promoting digital inclusion in nomadic and rural areas. Workshops on artificial intelligence, digital identity, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship will be offered, symbolizing the alliance between ancestral heritage and technological innovations.
This major cultural event is organized in partnership with the province of Zagora, the Provincial Council of Zagora, the Moroccan National Tourism Office, the Regional Directorate of Culture in Drâa-Tafilalet, along with numerous other partners.
