The main spiritual music event in the world is coming up soon – the Festival of World Sacred Music starts on 9 June, 2022 and will run for a dozen days.
The Festival of World Sacred Music, or le Festival de Fès des Musiques Sacrées du Monde, is held annually in the city of Fez (also spelled Fes) in Morocco. Intended to celebrate the diversity of spiritual music from different countries, the festival was founded in 1994 by a philanthropist Faouzi Skali and is now held under the auspices of King of Morocco Mohammed VI.
Another highlight of the festival is Fes Forum, first launched in 2001. It is an integral part of the festival, during which discussions on a relevant topic along the lines of faith, culture, and globalization take place.
2001 was also the year when the Festival of World Sacred Music was recognized by the UN as one of the milestones contributing to the dialog between civilizations.
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Mission of the festival
The Festival of World Sacred Music attempts to bridge cultural gaps, which separate different religions in mundane life by sharing music and art. Over the years of its existence, the festival has developed into an international source of philanthropy and support.
Another aim is to show the true spirit of Islam, its generosity, geniality, and peacefulness.
For over a week, various cultural events, discussion meetings, and soirees are held at numerous landmarks and around historical monuments of Fez. Representatives of different cultures come to Morocco to share their spiritual outlook through music.
What to look forward to
Every year, the Festival of World Sacred Music gathers many well-known musicians from communities of the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The program varies greatly depending on the list of performers coming to Fez, and may include French classical music, Sufi music from India and Pakistan, chorales and hymns from Great Britain, Japanese taiko drums, cathedral music, or any other type of spiritual music from different countries.
Like a magnet, the Festival of World Sacred Music attracts famous artists from different cultures and backgrounds, who are united by their spiritual search. Shortlists of the past festivals include such prominent names as Joan Baez, Patti Smith, and Björk, to name a few. Budding talents are acknowledged here, too – the festival encourages new audacious projects by avant-garde artists, giving them a chance to shine and ground to gain a wider audience.
Daytime concerts usually take place in the Dar Batha Museum garden, while nighttime concerts are held at Bab al-Makina. There are free performances in the Boujloud Square, and after shows groups of musicians come to the gardens of Dar Tazi Palace.
The festival is not only about music: besides concerts, there are public lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and so much more.
City of Fez
Fez (or Fes) is the oldest imperial city in Morocco, a hub of traditional artists and artisans. It was founded in 789, but most of its monuments date back to XIII-XIV centuries. Fez was the capital of Morocco for at least three times during its history, and has served as the intellectual and cultural center of the country for many centuries. Fez and Marrakech are the oldest cities of the country and its first capitals – plan a visit there to explore the similarities.
Lively and welcoming at first sight, Fez keeps its secrets well. From the hilltops and tombs of the Merinid necropolis stretches a sea of copper roofs and light fortifications. They protect the sacred heritage of an era long gone. And this majestic historic city now houses the most spiritual festival in the world, a place to exchange cultures and opinions – the Festival of World Sacred Music.
