The Sacred Music Festival Returns in May
The Fès Festival of World Sacred Music (FFMSM) is back with its 28th edition. This flagship event of Morocco’s spiritual capital will take place from May 16 to May 24, 2025, under the theme «Renaissances», celebrating its rich legacy.
«This theme perfectly aligns with the vision of the Kingdom of Morocco, which, year after year, continues to strengthen its role as a land of cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal. It also reflects the very essence of the festival, which, 28 years after its inception, remains committed to promoting values of coexistence and tolerance—values deeply embedded in the city of Fès, a beacon of cultural and civilizational influence,» announced the Esprit de Fès Foundation, the festival’s organizing body. «The Fès Festival has been recognized as the world’s best sacred music festival,» said Abderrafih Zouitene, President of the Foundation. Over the course of nine days, the city of Fès will resonate with performances by over 200 artists from 15 countries, including Italy, Turkey, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Sultanate of Oman, and several African nations such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burundi, and Togo.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights will be the opening night, promising an exceptional fusion of scenography and music. Attendees will embark on a journey through time, immersed in a unique experience that celebrates diverse cultural traditions. «The choice of this year’s theme reflects the spirit of Fès—an open city, a crossroads of civilizations, constantly renewing itself. Since its founding, Fès has played a pivotal role in cultural and religious movements, influencing exchanges between Mediterranean and African civilizations,» stated the President of the Esprit de Fès Foundation. He further added: «The festival is also reinforcing its African identity.»
This edition will pay tribute to Africa, highlighting its youth, which is increasingly aware of the importance of preserving and celebrating its ancient traditions while ensuring that this cultural heritage is passed on to future generations. This commitment contributes to Africa’s continuous cultural renaissance. The participation of numerous artists from across major African nations underscores the festival’s and Morocco’s deep-rooted ties to the African continent. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to South-South cooperation. The detailed program and ticketing information for this 28th edition will be announced soon.
Italy: A Symbol of Renaissance
Additionally, Italy, the guest country of honor for this 28th edition, embodies the spirit of the Renaissance, having played a central role in this cultural movement that reshaped Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. As part of a unique cultural partnership, the festival will pay tribute to Florence, the emblematic city of the Renaissance, and its special twinning agreement with Fès. These two cities, both rich in art and spirituality, perfectly illustrate the bridge that the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music seeks to build between different cultures and historical periods.
Youness SAAD ALAMI
