Debdou vibrates to the rhythm of the Laalaoui festival and the 'Tafrent'

Event: The kick-off for the 20th edition of the 'Laalaoui' festival and the 13th edition of the Amazigh 'Tafrent' festival was given recently in Debdou in the Taourirt province, under the theme 'Amazighity: challenges and perspectives'. This three-day cultural event, organised by the Ain Sbilia Association for Popular Arts in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM), is part of the competition for the 2025 National Prize for Amazigh Culture (collective dance category). This annual cultural gathering aims to highlight the cultural, heritage, and natural assets of the city, to promote tourism, as well as to revive the historical memory of the region and the radiant stages of resistance against colonialism. In a statement to MAP, the president of the Ain Sbilia Association, Ali Hamdaoui, stated that this edition is distinguished by the participation of 22 national groups representing different regions of the Kingdom, who are competing for the National Prize for Amazigh Culture. He explained that the organisation of this event aims to promote Amazigh cultural heritage and to preserve authentic traditional dances passed down from generation to generation, such as 'Laalaoui', 'the Mangoushi', 'the Mtelt', and 'the Ahidous'. Mr. Hamdaoui also dwelt on the historical depth of the city of Debdou, which has throughout history constituted a cradle for the Amazighs, making it a crossroads of cultural coexistence, noting that in keeping with the festival's tradition, eminent national artistic figures will be honoured during the closing day.