By Sara Saoudi
Meknes, Morocco | July 11, 2026
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the sixth edition of the Aissawa: Global Maqams and Rhythms Festival will take place in the historic city of Meknes from July 22 to 25, 2026.
Held under the theme “Sufism and the Unity of the Moroccan Kingdom,” the festival forms part of a broader cultural, artistic, academic, and developmental initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Morocco’s rich Aissawa heritage while enhancing its national and international profile.
Organizers say this year’s edition will highlight the central role of Moroccan Sufism in shaping the Kingdom’s spiritual and cultural identity while reinforcing the values of unity, belonging, and social cohesion under the Commandership of the Faithful.
The four-day festival will feature a diverse program combining the authenticity of the centuries-old Aissawa tradition with contemporary artistic and cultural expressions. Activities will include musical performances, academic conferences, panel discussions, exhibitions, training workshops, film screenings, and heritage initiatives showcasing the historic landmarks and cultural legacy of Meknes.
The event will bring together renowned artists, Aissawa brotherhoods, researchers, academics, cultural figures, and presenters from across Morocco, alongside participants from several friendly countries, further strengthening the festival’s role as an international platform for cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
The artistic lineup includes Bouchart, Asma Lamnawar, Wael Jassar, Dounia Batma, Ibtissam Tiskat, Zouhair Bahaoui, and Zakaria Ghafouli, among many others. More than 55 Aissawa brotherhoods and over 1,000 Aissawa masters and practitioners are expected to participate, reflecting the richness and vitality of Morocco’s centuries-old spiritual and musical tradition.
Organizers say the festival aims to strengthen Meknes’ position as a leading cultural destination, promote cultural tourism, preserve Morocco’s tangible and intangible heritage, and create new opportunities for training, cultural exchange, and sustainable development while safeguarding the authentic spiritual and artistic values of the Aissawa tradition.
Now in its sixth edition, the festival continues to expand its national and international reach, reinforcing its position as one of Morocco’s leading cultural events.
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