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Casablanca Celebrates its Heritage: A Resounding Success for the 13th Edition of the Heritage Days

Saturday 01 June 2024 - 10:15

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In a resounding testament to the unwavering passion for Casablanca's architectural legacy, the 13th edition of Casamémoire's Heritage Days, held from May 13th to 19th under the theme "Casablanca, Moving Heritage," drew an impressive 11,000 participants, marking a veritable triumph for the city's cultural patrimony.

Organized by the Casamémoire Association, in partnership with the Wilaya of the Casablanca-Settat Region and the City of Casablanca, this edition was hailed as "a true success, reflecting a renewed interest in Casablanca's heritage," according to a statement from the Casamémoire Association.

"As is tradition, exceptional sites and buildings usually closed to the public opened their doors, unveiling their splendor and closely guarded secrets for a weekend," the statement revealed. Visitors were afforded the opportunity to explore the Seat of the Wilaya, the Palace of Justice, the Bank Al-Maghrib Branch, the Mahkama of the Pasha, the Vincent Timsit Workshops of Roches Noires, the former Casablanca Slaughterhouses, the Al-Mohammadi Mosque, the Maison de l'Union, and many other architectural marvels.

Participants could choose from five distinct tour circuits, each offering a unique perspective on Casablanca's rich heritage. The City Center circuit explored the mythical Place Mohamed V, its administrative buildings, and the city's historic boulevard. The Old Medina circuit immersed visitors in the fascinating history of the city, while the Habous circuit unveiled the legends of this historic neighborhood.

In addition to these walking tours, two bus circuits were offered in partnership with Casa Bus: the Casa East circuit, traversing the Roches Noires neighborhood to Hay Mohammedi and Sidi Othman, and the Casa West circuit, spanning from the Maarif neighborhood to Riviera, CIL, Hay Hassani, and Al Hank.

In collaboration with the Regional Academy of National Education of Casablanca-Settat and the Al Jisr Association, nearly 4,000 students, ranging from preschool to high school, and their teachers, were granted privileged access to the city's heritage sites through dedicated school tours. They discovered the richness of their city's patrimony and received the "Passeport du Patrimoine," an educational resource designed to encourage further exploration of Casablanca.

Complementing the week-long celebration of heritage, a rich cultural program fostered spaces for dialogue and creativity. In total, eight conferences, ten workshops, twelve exhibitions, and four performances enlivened the proceedings.

The success of Casablanca's Heritage Days rests on a network of 200 volunteer guides who mobilized their efforts to ensure the seamless organization and execution of these festivities. Moreover, Casamémoire launched its Digital University of Heritage, "unpcasamemoire.com," this year, offering an online platform for initiation and expertise in Casablanca's rich architectural, urban planning, and historical heritage.

As Casablanca's architectural treasures continue to captivate locals and visitors alike, the 13th edition of the Heritage Days stands as a resounding affirmation of the city's enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural legacy for generations to come.