The National Ahwach Arts Festival highlights a collective practice in which poetry, rhythm, song and dance express the memories and identities of southern Moroccan communities.
A collective art of the High and Anti-Atlas
Ahwach refers to several forms of collective dance and song practised across the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas and oasis regions. Men and women participate according to local arrangements, with distinctive costumes, jewellery and rhythms.
Poetry, percussion and movement
Performance depends on the balance between voices, drums, gestures and improvised or transmitted poetry. Its strength comes from group coordination and the relationship created with the audience.
Ouarzazate as a crossroads
The festival brings ensembles from several regions together and makes it possible to compare styles, languages and choreographic forms. Performances in heritage spaces give national visibility to practices rooted in village celebrations.
Safeguarding and transmission
Supported within the Ministry of Culture’s heritage-festival programme, the event helps document repertoires, support ensembles and encourage transmission to younger generations.