The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is poised to launch its 28th edition this Friday, May 16, with an ambitious opening performance titled “Renaissances, from Nature to the Sacred.” This multi-sensory production will blend music, dance, and light projections in a spectacular staging set against the ancient walls of Bab Makina.
Staying true to its reputation as a premier global arts showcase, the festival has gathered dozens of performers from across the world for this grand opening night. The stage design will feature a mesmerizing mapping display projected onto the iconic facades of the square, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of this Fes tradition.
The 2025 theme pays tribute to the concept of rebirth in all its forms—cultural, spiritual, and artistic. Few places embody this notion better than Morocco and, specifically, the city of Fes. Home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, Fes has long served as a hub of knowledge and spiritual exchange for African nations. This year’s edition will also spotlight the cultural dialogue between Fes and Florence, celebrating the influence of the Renaissance movement that transformed European art and thought in the 15th century.
The show will unfold in a series of scenes inspired by the splendor of the natural world and the rich diversity of artistic expression. Audiences can expect an explosion of color, sound, and movement, from the solemn to the exuberant, all woven together with poetic finesse.
Among the standout acts will be the women of Mayotte performing Deba, a commemorative ritual marking the birth of the Prophet. The mystical Sufi chants of Oman’s Areej ensemble will fill the air, alongside the dazzling Zaouli dancers from Manfla, Ivory Coast, and their towering stilt performers. The Ivorian Leopards will showcase their traditional ritual dances, while Senegal’s Kassaïdes and the thunderous Drummers of Burundi add their unique sounds to the festival’s vibrant tapestry. The event will also feature the meditative Sama dance from Meknes, the commanding vocals of mezzo-soprano Battista Acquaviva, and Malian actor Habib Dembelé, who will narrate a segment inspired by sacred music from the Italian Renaissance.
For over a quarter of a century, the Esprit de Fès Foundation has earned acclaim for curating bold and deeply moving performances. Once again, the festival will harness cutting-edge technology while honoring the timeless traditions of global music. This year’s event promises to be a heartfelt celebration of humanity’s enduring spirit and its capacity for renewal.
The opening night will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025. Entry will be permitted between 6:00 and 7:15 p.m., with the show beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. Full program details and ticket reservations can be found on the festival’s official website and mobile app.
