The 8th Moroccan Poetry Festival opened at the "Mayadine" venue in Marrakech, attended by several notable figures, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs in Sharjah. Mohammed Benyaacoub, Secretary-General of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, represented Minister Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid at the ceremony, which also saw participation from Asmaa Lokmani, Regional Director for Culture in the Marrakech-Safi region, alongside numerous writers and literary enthusiasts.
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The event commenced with two documentary films. The first showcased testimonials from various artists about the early days of the House of Poetry, reflecting on its cultural achievements and the vital role it plays in the Moroccan and Arab cultural scenes. The second film highlighted the House of Poetry’s accomplishments over the past year, culminating in the current festival.
In his address, Abdullah Al Owais remarked on the importance of continuing this cultural tradition, stating, "This new edition serves as a continuation of years of dedication and creativity, reaffirming the presence of poetry in our collective consciousness as a fundamental source of creative expression." He noted that the House of Poetry has become a supportive home for both emerging and established poets, fostering a rich environment for artistic expression.
Al Owais also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication for its ongoing support. He conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, wishing success for the festival and Moroccan culture.
Ben Yacoub spoke on behalf of Minister Bensaid, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the House of Poetry and the Sharjah Department of Culture, which have facilitated poetry as a means of dialogue and connection. He acknowledged the significance of the festival in highlighting the cultural diversity of Morocco and its literary heritage across various poetic forms, including Classical Arabic, Hassani, and Amazigh poetry.
The opening night featured a rich tapestry of poetry, with performances from both emerging and seasoned poets such as Latifa Meskini, Said Tachfini, and Abdessamad Ait Mbarek, the latter reciting his award-nominated piece, "The Final Rhyme for the Advocate of Peace."
To honor influential Moroccan poets, the House of Poetry recognized Driss El-Milyani, Khadija Yakan, and Mohamed El-Ghaith Kine for their contributions to the literary landscape.
The festival also announced the winners of its "Poetic Criticism" and "Best Poem" awards, aimed at nurturing new talent. Mohamed Kabdani won first place for "Best Poem," followed by Abdessamad Ait Mbarek and Khawla Dahani. In the "Poetic Criticism" category, the top award went to Abdeljalil El-Abbassi, with Oussama Hamdouch and Noureddine Harhouri tying for second place, and Youssef Kouazghar securing third.
The ceremony concluded with Al Owais and Al Qaseer honoring the award winners and acknowledging their valuable contributions to Moroccan poetry.