Somalilandsun :The “The “World Nomads Association” will present the 17th edition of the Festival des Nomades on March 19, 20 and 21, 2020 at M’hamid El Ghizlane, Zagora, Morocco entrance is free
A rich and diversified program has been concocted for this edition, between concerts, conferences, workshops, dance and music demonstrations and other traditional activities and sports (sand bread, dromedary racing, sand hockey …), announces a press release organizers.
At the 17th Edition of the Festival of Nomads, which values the diversity of cultural expressions, Musicians from Somaliland will rub shoulders with artists from host Morocco as well those of their nomadic ilk from Niger, India, Senegal, Mali, Algeria, Poland, Italy among others
A varied and dynamic program that suits all audiences and all tastes and attracts people from all over the world, will be on the menu, assures organisers.
The main objective of the multidisplinary and free event Nomad Festival is to preserve the precious heritage of the region’s people and revive its traditions and customs which each year are increasingly lost due to globalisation.
This great gathering also participates in the development of skills and improves the livelihoods of the inhabitants of M’hamid El Ghizlane and the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The Nomad Festival, which gives pride of place to intercultural dialogue, is an excellent model of unity in diversity. The 2020 edition again holds many surprises, in an atmosphere of openness, tolerance and respect, friendship and peace, it says.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Moroccan National Tourism Office, the Zagora Provincial Council, the Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Council, the Orange Foundation, the African Culture Fund , the Banque Populaire Foundation, Poste Maroc and many other partners. For more details visit International Nomad Festival
About the International Nomad Festival: A SPIRIT OF FESTIVAL
Created in southern Morocco, the International Nomad Festival has been an international benchmark for cultural diversity and openness to the world for 16 years. The Festival International des Nomades is an outdoor festival, a citizen and artistic festival. It takes place once a year in M’hamid El Ghizlane, 90 km south of Zagora in the Drâa valley (Morocco). Cultural activities highlight the tangible and intangible heritage of nomadic tribes, thus helping to preserve their cultural identity. This festival is a real “springboard” for nomadic culture.
Art in all its forms is presented: crafts, painting, weaving…
But also and above all songs, music and dances , tales and poetry are interpreted by artists (local, national and international) invited to perform on stage.
For three days, conferences, round tables and workshops are offered on various subjects: nomadism, heritage, flora, fauna, agriculture, environmental protection, economy, health, education ,…
Culinary art is present there through one of the essential preparations in the desert: the sand bread (Mella).
The sport is not outdone with a demonstration of nomadic hockey and a camel race, called “ellaz”.
On an economic level, the festival brings more material to the daily lives of local populations, which considerably improves their living conditions. On a social level, the festival federates the creation of spaces for training, communication, exchange of ideas and experiences between the different actors. It is a stimulus for artisans and young people who establish solid links with visitors from the region, Morocco and abroad.
In terms of media, each new edition sees new media come to discover and understand the “soul” of this unique festival.
At the end of the festival, 3 prizes are awarded to actors of daily life, rewarding their involvement and their daily work or their artistic creativity.
The Nomads are the privileged authors of the festival. Everyone carries a project within themselves and engages their responsibility by using their knowledge and know-how, which for many of them is ancestral, to the well-being of all.
Ingenuity, solidarity and generosity are not empty words in the land of the sands… It is a real discovery and a real meeting offered by the Nomads of the World Association.
