The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) launched the 1st International Military Music Festival on Friday evening with tremendous fanfare, honoring the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. The official opening ceremony took place in Rabat’s Al Barid Square, where a great audience gathered to see the spectacle.
The festival featured performances by seven national military bands from various Royal Armed Forces components, including the Royal Guard, Royal Gendarmerie, General Directorate of National Police (DGSN), and Auxiliary Forces.
The event also featured military bands from six other countries: Saudi Arabia, Ivory Coast, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the United States of America, and Senegal.
The evening opened with a wonderful Royal Guard performance that captivated the audience with a broad repertoire of traditional and current songs. Following that, each competing band took turns demonstrating their distinct musical approaches.
Spain’s “Inmemorial del Rey No. 1” Infantry Regiment dazzled with precision and discipline, while the Royal Air Force Band charmed the audience with a harmonious combination of international and Moroccan compositions reflecting the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy.
Musical groups from Saudi Arabia, Ivory Coast, and the Northern Zone Auxiliary Forces gave lively and interesting performances. The FAR General Staff’s musical formation, which is known for training other military groups, performed an outstanding performance, displaying its leadership in the sector.
Foreign bands boosted the festival’s diversity, including prominent performances from the United Arab Emirates, Senegal, and the 23rd Utah National Guard Band from the United States.
The Royal Gendarmerie, supported by its Music Institute founded in 1985, demonstrated its experience and talent, followed by the DGSN, which shared its rich musical heritage with the audience.
The Royal Navy Band, one of Morocco’s most prominent musical groups, finished the evening with a stunning performance that left the audience in amazement.
The festival continues on Saturday with performances in Rabat at Mahaj Riad, Salé in Bab El Mrissa, and Témara at Harhoura Beach. It will conclude on July 30 with a finale concert at Tetouan’s El Mechouar Square, preceded by musical events on July 29 at M’diq Corniche. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., the military bands will give a variety of festival performances.