مهرجان ماطا للفروسية يحتفي بـ25 عاماً من التنمية والازدهار في عهد الملك محمد السادس

The 13th edition of the Mata International Equestrian Festival, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, kicked off on Friday evening, May 23rd, in the village of Znid, Arbaa Ayacha commune, Moulay Abdel Salam Ibn Mchich district, Larache province. The festival celebrates the equestrian traditions for which the Beni Arous tribes surrounding the Moulay Abdel Salam Ibn Mchich shrine in Larache province are renowned. In a statement to Febrayer.com, the festival's president, Nabil Baraka, expressed his deep gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his patronage, which enables the festival to preserve heritage and contributes to the comprehensive development the Kingdom is witnessing. Baraka also expressed his great pleasure at celebrating 25 years of "prosperity and development, both spiritually and economically, thanks to King Mohammed VI." The festival president emphasized that the King's patronage of the Mata Equestrian Festival is the cornerstone that has allowed the festival to continue its noble mission. This year's festival wasn't limited to traditional equestrian displays; it also included in-depth intellectual seminars on vital topics. Baraka noted that the festival hosted "seminars on the history and development of the written word," which saw a distinguished attendance, as well as "seminars on interfaith and intercultural dialogue." Embodying the festival's African and global dimensions, this year's edition featured a remarkable presence of "personalities from across Africa, showcasing agricultural products and traditional crafts from Africa, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania, the Sahara, and from northern to southern Morocco." This diversity reflects the festival's status as a meeting point for civilizations and cultures, a key contributor to strengthening ties between Morocco and its African roots, and a reaffirmation of Morocco's unity from Tangier to Lagouira. The Mata Equestrian Festival is thus more than just a cultural event; it is an annual occasion to renew connections with heritage, deepen dialogue, and reaffirm Morocco's role as a key player in preserving identity and cultural heritage, all thanks to the ongoing royal patronage that contributes to the Kingdom's comprehensive development. The 13th edition of the Mata International Festival, celebrating nearly a quarter-century of prosperity and development under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, reinforces its commitment to cultural heritage, economic empowerment, and international cooperation, according to its director, Omar Hajji. Speaking from the festival grounds, Hajji highlighted the multifaceted nature of this year's event, which he described as a reflection of Morocco's progress in various economic, developmental, cultural, social, and religious fields. Hajji announced: "Our seminar program will continue tomorrow, God willing, at the Palace of Culture and Arts in Tangier. There will be a seminar on 'Heritage and Development,' in addition to an evening seminar here at the festival grounds on the importance of the tolerant and moderate Moroccan Sufi discourse under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory and support." The launch of various cooperatives, showcasing a rich array of local products and traditional crafts, was among the highlights of the festival's opening day. Hajji commented with satisfaction: "As you saw with us today, the launch of the cooperatives that were present was a joyous occasion, as we are bringing together diverse local products and traditional crafts from various regions of Morocco." In addition to national participation, the festival has significantly expanded its international reach, particularly within Africa. Hajji noted: "There was also a strong presence of local products and traditional African crafts, represented by Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mauritania." Hajji explained that this growing international participation confirms the modern and evolving nature of the Mata Festival under the leadership of Professor Nabil Baraka, President of the International Mata Equestrian Festival.