Ahidous festival returns: Aïn Leuh hosts 24th edition celebrating Amazigh heritage
The town of Aïn Leuh, located in Morocco’s Ifrane province, lit up with colors, rhythms, and tradition as it welcomed the 24th edition of the National Ahidous Festival on the evening of Friday, July 18, 2025. A vibrant mix of music, cultural performances, and celebration marked the beginning of an event that honors one of the most significant aspects of Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage—the Amazigh art of Ahidous.
In a speech read on his behalf by the regional director of the Ministry in Fez-Meknes, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mr. Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, highlighted the special importance His Majesty King Mohammed VI places on the preservation and promotion of Amazigh identity. The continued hosting of this festival in the heart of the Middle Atlas—where Ahidous was born—demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding its ancestral arts.
According to the Minister, this event is not only an artistic celebration but also “a humanistic message and a platform for beauty and expression that supports national development and community identity.”
The festival features performances by more than 40 traditional troupes from across the Kingdom, paying tribute to the authenticity of Ahidous. These shows are accompanied by heartfelt homages to iconic figures in the Ahidous tradition, including Mohammed Amhaouch, Mohammed Ajidid, Mahmoud Ramdani, and Haddou Bassou, whose life’s work has helped keep this art alive.
President of the Thaymat Association, Mr. Hammou Ouhali, emphasized the festival’s growing national and international reputation since its creation nearly 25 years ago. He pointed out that an estimated 100,000 visitors are expected this year, underlining the strong emotional connection Moroccans maintain with their cultural roots.
In addition to cultural importance, the event has become a key driver of regional economic activity, with local tourism and businesses seeing significant benefits from the influx of attendees.
Opening night saw colorful performances from diverse provinces such as Khénifra, Sefrou, Taza, Figuig, Meknès, and Boulemane. The audience enthusiastically welcomed each performance, confirming the enduring appeal of this ancient art.
Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this year’s edition runs until July 20 and is coordinated by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Culture Department), in partnership with the Thaymat Association for Atlas Arts, Ifrane Province, the Provincial Council, and the Municipality of Aïn Leuh.
The Ahidous Festival continues to be a symbol of cultural pride, preservation, and community celebration, bridging generations and reinforcing the role of heritage in rural development and national unity.
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