…we have to talk !

For the last 46 years, the oldest of Moroccan festivals has continuously innovated and refreshed itself in order to transmit Moroccan art and design across the decades and generations. The next round is from 20-24 June 2012, everywhere throughout the Red City. It’ll be a great occasion for exploring Marrakech with the whole family as there’s something for everyone! Indeed, after 46 years, they must be doing something right…

It will all start with the opening parade, which will leave from the Place du 16 Novembre and finish up at the Jema El Fnaa. And then for the next few days you’ll need to put aside Justin Bieber, David Guetta, 50 Cents, Metallica and any others to concentrate on the art of traditional Moroccan music! It’s a great pleasure to rediscover the ‘foundations’ of another era, yes? Personally I find that helps me clear my thinking! And of course there’s not just music. The festival features art generally, including theatre and so some stages have been specially built in the city for it. Traditional folk dancing, painting and traditional storytelling will all also have pride of place…no limits to artistic creativity in fact!

The challenge for the organisers of this type of event is to maintain the enchantment felt by the older generation (not too difficult that) while at the same time conquering the hearts of the younger generations, often attracted to the more contemporary arts. Their strategy is thus based on infusing traditional art with new energy and showing the rich diversity in the sounds, dance and painting of traditional Moroccan art, all while provoking a powerful desire for it, essential fuel for the long-term preservation of this extraordinary cultural heritage.

In 2011 the festival had its first ‘festival village’ where a wide range of activities, workshops and exhibitions with authentic Moroccan artisans were concentrated. It was a wonderful chance for the little ones to get involved and a great opportunity to share and learn for everyone else. It was a great success so it’s being brought back for this year.

In addition there will be daily displays and, in primetime even, all the troops of the Kingdom will be at the Palais El Badi…well, almost all!

So it’ll be a programme full of culture, rhythm, colour…and hot air…from the chicha pipes of course!

And finally, since you’re reading this, I’ll take the opportunity to let you know that if you’re not sure where to stay in Marrakech, well, I happen to know a lovely little Riad in the medina… Mumtaz!

Emmanuel

Details :

Fondation des Festivals de Marrakech :

Théâtre Royal Avenue Med VI Marrakech
Tel: + 212 (0)524 43 20 21
Fax: +212 (0)524 43 97 77
Online :   www.marrakechfestival.com
Email – Loubna NADAR:  secretariat.ffm@gmail.com

Info/Bookings :

Medhi Saad :
Mobile : +212 (0) 674 35 95 87
Landline : +212 (0) 524 43 20 21

Tickets and ticket outlets :

- Direct sales online :  http://www.tick-et-show.com
- Ticket outlets:

• Théâtre Royal – Marrakech
• Conseil régional du tourisme – Guéliz – Marrakech
• Megarama – Casablanca

Prices : 100 and 200 Dirhams

Tell this to the rest of the world !

Personally, just thinking about it hurts! Running for 42.2 kilometres!

That’s the official distance you have to run to complete a marathon and it’s what will be run for the 23rd edition of the Marrakech International Marathon, which will take place on 29 January 2012. It appears that all the big names of the discipline will be there for the event, including previous winners of this race that has a big reputation these days and attracts no less than 5000 participants.

Note that for those who are less fit, or just lazier, it’s possible to sign up for the half-marathon which is only 21 kilometres…no sweat!

Entries are accepted online or by post (address and details below) until midnight 23 January. And if you miss the deadline you can sign up in person at the Marathon Village, at the Place du 16 Novembre, over 27/28 January. You can pick up race bibs from a special office in the Marathon Village over 27/28 January as well.

The course is predominantly flat and is approved by the official authorities of the marathon discipline, yes indeed Sir! It starts and finishes behind the Sofitel Hotel Marrakech, on the large Avenue de la Menara. The course will travel round the whole city, via the Agdal gardens, the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali quarter, the Palmeraie, Gueliz and Hivernage…everywhere in fact. The course passes in front of certain excellent restaurant Marrakech, participants are reminded to not confuse the official refreshment stands, which will be serving energy drinks and other specialised nutrition, with the establishments mentioned earlier which will in general be serving more Flag Special, Casablanca (local beers), tajines and couscous, a little heavy for the final sprint…

Voila, the race starts on 29 January at 8.30am for the half marathon and 9am for the full marathon. And as a happy proprietor of a riad Marrakech, I invite all my colleagues to line up with me at the start line, at 8.30am sharp…well, mustn’t exaggerate too much… Shall we?

Emmanuel

PS: If my time is good this year, I’ll think about upping the distance for the 2013 Marrakech Marathon…stop laughing…it’s not nice!

Details:

Grand Atlas Association

Dar talib daoudiat unité 4
MARRAKECH
Morocco
Tel : (00 212) 524 31 35 72
Fax : (00 212) 524 31 31 95
E-mail: marathonmarrakech@yahoo.fr

Tell this to the rest of the world !