The sixth International Ifrane Festival concluded on Saturday, setting a new attendance record with nearly one million visitors over five days, reflecting its growing appeal among both local and international music lovers.
The closing event featured a dazzling array of performances by renowned artists who captivated the audience. The final day highlights included the “Water Carnival,” which animated the city streets with over 160 children from summer camps, and a tribute to Tarik Sektioui, coach of the Moroccan Olympic football team, which recently won bronze at the Paris Olympics.
Moroccan cultural icon Mohcine Ifrane delighted the audience with his enchanting voice, blending tradition with modernity. Aarab Hadou performed in chaâbi and traditional music, offering a journey through Morocco’s rich musical heritage.
French rising star Dadju energized the crowd with a dynamic R&B, pop, and rap set. The festival concluded with a powerful performance by Moroccan rapper LHOR, who delivered thought-provoking lyrics with a flow reminiscent of Tupac and Kery James.
Festival artistic Director Nabil El Jay expressed his excitement about the event’s success in a statement to MAP. He noted that the team had aimed to surpass last year’s attendance records, a goal achieved through meticulous planning and organization.
“We restructured and redesigned the main stage to accommodate more spectators,” El Jay said. “The artistic program was carefully crafted to appeal to diverse tastes, from children to adults, including families and international visitors.”
The festival showcased Morocco’s musical diversity with a mix of traditional and modern styles with the participation of renowned artists such as Najat Aâtabou, Hatim Ammor, El Hor, and Zohair Adha, offering an expansive view of the national music scene.
One of the festival’s highlights was the spectacular performance by the “Symphonies Ahidous,” featuring 260 musicians and dancers from 29 tribes in the Ifrane region. This unique performance, directed for the first time by a female conductor, highlighted the region’s rich intangible cultural heritage.
Beyond its artistic appeal, the International Ifrane Festival plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and boosting the local economy. Established in 2016, the event aims to highlight Ifrane’s economic, natural, and tourist potential while celebrating Morocco’s heritage and its openness to global cultures.
This year’s festival also emphasized environmental preservation, with the theme “The Forest, a National Heritage,” reflecting Ifrane’s unique location amidst the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.