Mediterranean song and dance festival kicks off in Volubilis

The first Mediterranean song and dance festival kicked off Friday in the Moroccan archeological site of Volubilis, located near Meknes (170 north-east of Rabat). Artistic troupes from Mediterranean countries are participating in the festival dubbed Volubilis 2000, including troupes and artists from Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain and France. Colombian artist Martha Senn is also participating in the festival that will run till September 17.

The festival also features exhibitions of paintings, handicraft items, and photos.

Some of the concerts and shows will be performed in nearby Meknes and Moulay Idriss Zerhoune.

The Moroccan ministry of cultural affairs which is sponsoring the event hopes the festival will contribute to the renaissance of this historical Roman site and make of it a shrine of Mediterranean art and culture.

Moroccan minister of culture and communication, Mohamed Achaari, who chaired the opening of the festival told MAP the Mediterranean character of the festival does not mean that it would not open on other artistic horizons.

He said the festival organizers hope to make of it an annual rendez-vous for artists from all over the world.