Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

May - June

The prevailing spirituality of the holy city of Fez in Morocco was the inspiration for the annual Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, which was launched in 1995. Artists from all over the world perform the sacred music of the world's religions in all its various styles during the week-long festival. The main evening concerts take place at Bab Makina, the reception court of a 14th-century royal palace. The Moorish Palace of Dar Bat'ha is the site of many of the afternoon concerts. Another striking performance site is the Roman ruin of Volubilis, with the ancient Arc of Triumph as a backdrop. The festival, now considered among the world's premier music festivals, draws distinguished artists from the world over, as well as hundreds of enthusiastic visitors each year.
In 2000, festival organizers launched the Festival in the City to run alongside the Sacred Music festival. Free of charge and open to all, it features concerts, Sufi nights, workshops, and art exhibitions, and lends a festive air to the city streets. Another feature of the festival is Fes Encounter, an annual gathering of academics, social activists, and politicians, who debate a pressing current issue, which can range from conflict resolution to social justice.

CONTACTS:
Festival des Fes des Sacred Music de Monde
Sidi Wl Khayat
BP 629
Fes-Medina 30200 Morocco
www.fesfestival.com
Morocco National Tourist Office
20 E. 46th St., Ste. 1201
New York, NY 10017
212-557-2520; fax: 212-949-8148
www.visitmorocco.org