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Culture

Lixus Heritage Festival: Celebrating Antiquity Along the Banks of Loukkos

Tuesday 04 June 2024 - 13:50

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In the historic city of Larache, anticipation builds as the inaugural Lixus Heritage Festival is set to unfurl on the 8th of June. Organized with the esteemed support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, this cultural extravaganza promises to be a captivating exploration of the region's storied past.

The centerpiece of the festival will be the unveiling of the exhibition "Lixus and Larache, a Maritime Heritage Bridging the Two Banks of Loukkos." This immersive showcase will transport visitors through the annals of time, unveiling the intricate tapestry of history that has woven itself along the banks of the Loukkos River.

Complementing the exhibition, a tantalizing gastronomic experience awaits attendees. An array of ancestral culinary delights, deeply rooted in the traditions of Larache, will be presented at a special tasting workshop, inviting participants to savor the flavors that have graced the city's tables for generations.

The festival's atmosphere will be further enriched by the melodious strains of local heritage music groups, whose enchanting performances will resonate throughout the event, evoking the vibrant cultural fabric that has endured the test of time.

A poignant tribute will be paid to archaeologists Aomar Akerraz and Mohammed Habibi, pioneers whose tireless efforts laid the foundation for archaeological research in the Larache region and, more specifically, at the renowned Lixus site. Their contributions have illuminated the path for future generations to explore and understand the region's rich heritage.

This cultural extravaganza marks the culmination of the 2024 Heritage Month celebrations, which spanned from April 18th to May 18th under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. Throughout this period, a myriad of activities were organized to strengthen cultural mediation and bridge the gap between the public and the intricacies of cultural heritage, all under the banner of "Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management."

Among the highlights was the "People of Lixus" event, held on April 21st at the Roman amphitheater, which offered a captivating glimpse into the lives of those who once called Lixus home. Additionally, a scientific symposium titled "The Discovery of the Oldest Homo Sapiens Footprints in North Africa and the Southern Mediterranean, Dating Back 100,000 Years," took place on April 25th at the Larache Multidisciplinary Faculty, shedding light on this groundbreaking archaeological find.

Guided tours of the site's architectural marvels and the heritage interpretation center were also organized, accompanied by educational workshops tailored for students and members of local associations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's cultural treasures.

As the Lixus Heritage Festival unfolds, it promises to be a captivating celebration of the past, a testament to the enduring legacy that has shaped the identity of Larache and its surrounding areas. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary event and embark on a journey through time, where history comes alive along the banks of the Loukkos River.