Marrakesh Welcomes The 6th Moroccan Poetry Festival With Royal Support And Cultural Significance

The Moroccan Poetry Festival's sixth edition began in Marrakesh on Friday. It is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The event is organised by the House of Poetry in Marrakesh, with support from the Department of Culture in Sharjah and Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

The festival spans three days and features over 30 Moroccan poets, artists, and intellectuals. The opening ceremony took place at Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdesalam in Marrakesh. Attendees included Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of Sharjah's Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs in Sharjah; and Hisham Aboukari, Director of the Arts Sector representing Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

This year's festival aligns with Marrakesh being named the Islamic World Cultural Capital for 2024. This highlights the city's rich cultural heritage. The festival has enhanced poetry's recognition within Marrakesh's vibrant atmosphere. An audio recording opened the event, showcasing the seventh season of Marrakesh's House of Poetry program and its cultural activities from the past year.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais emphasised the importance of renewing poetic gatherings during his speech. He noted their role in fostering creativity and celebrating beauty. He also commended Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication for their collaborative efforts. Al Owais conveyed greetings from the Ruler of Sharjah to attendees.

Al Owais expressed his honour in delivering greetings from Sharjah's Ruler to those present at this esteemed gathering. He shared wishes for success and prosperity for all involved in the festival. His words underscored the significance placed on poetry as a means to nurture creativity within society.

The festival drew a large audience passionate about literature. It serves as a platform for poets to share their work while celebrating Moroccan culture through artistic expression. The event continues to play a crucial role in promoting poetry as an essential part of cultural identity.

The Moroccan Poetry Festival stands as a testament to Marrakesh's enduring cultural legacy. It brings together diverse voices from across Morocco to celebrate poetic expression within a historic setting.

With inputs from WAM