The first edition of the popular festival of Halqa art (‘popular story telling’) and oral literature, is being held in Fez from April 22 to April 24, under the theme of "Halqa, a tool for sustaining the popular oral inheritance". The festival was initiated by the commune of Fez, in collaboration with the district of Fez-medina and the "Bonate" association.
 
This event is held in the renowned historical site of Bab Boujnoud and is meant to assist in the safeguarding popular culture and authentic inheritance, while encouraging tourism in the city.

<i>EMarrakech</i> reports that the festival’s program also includes various spectacles, performed by the "Issaoua", "Jilala", "Gnaouas", and "Hmadcha" brotherhoods, and acrobatics shows by "Oulad Ahmed et Moussa" group.

© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)