The 44th edition of The National Festval of Popular Arts (FNAP), Marrakech

The Festival opened on Saturday 17th July in the  evening with the traditional grand parade from Place de la Liberte  along the Boulevard Mohamed V to the Badii Palace. The parade began with the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon by Mr Mohamed Chraibi ,Wali of Marrakech watched by and Mr Kamal Bensouda, President of the Foundation for Festivals of Marrakech and the crowd. They were entertained by skillful acrobats and  the parade then moved forwards in troupes with flags, musicians and dancers led by their Maallems. Each section advancing at double time as they passed in review before the Wali. This was an impressive and colorful  beginning to the Festival as the horns and drums  and chants sounded  with the sun shining through the fountain at the Place de la Liberte as the parade got under way.

Some 750  artists will perform at different locations over 9 days.With a budget estimated at 5.3 million DH, thirty participating troops, 8  neighborhoods, and 150 journalists representing national and international media, the festival has all the ingredients to achieve a great success. The  grand stage of the Badii Palace was the setting for the official opening of the Festival " Dreams and Reality"

The performance at the Badii Palace took place in  the presence of the Wali of Marrakech on Saturday night  and its imposing walls, superb lighting and huge stage, provided the venue  for a brilliantly choreographed performance from troupes selected from the region including Ghaita, Menghouchi, Aissawa, Abidat r'ma Haha, Haouzi, Ahidous, Tazaouite , Ahouache Iminatout, Ahouach Ouzarzazate, Rokba Ahouach Tissint, Houara, Al Fourssane, Dekka, Gnaoua, Oulad sidi hmad oumoussa Al Guedra.

On Sunday  the scene was repeated at the Badii Palace and  also at Bab Ighli featuring ; Sami Ray, Derb l'Funk, Groupe Tarik Lamirat and Fnaire  for the youthful audience.On Monday   20 July performances will take place at seven loacations all at 22.00.