Fez 'Sacred Music Festival' reflects interfaith harmony in Morocco, US

The "Sacred Music Festival," organized annually in the central Moroccan city of Fez, was cited by the US Department Of State's report on International Religious Freedom as a reflection of the interfaith harmony that characterizes Morocco.

Recalling the spiritual mission of the Moroccan sovereign as Commander of the Faithful, the State Department says in its new report, published on September 15, the "amicable relationship among religions in (the Moroccan) society contributed to religious freedom."

The tenth edition of Fez festival, celebrated last June, was widely covered by the US media. A tour was organized in the United States from March 6 to April 8 to acquaint people with the festival which includes musicians from Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Native American spiritual traditions.

The internationally renowned festival is a symbol of hope, peace and coexistence between peoples. It is also a call for harmonization, spirituality and diversity of cultures.

In 2001, the United Nations has honored the festival by classifying it among the seven world events that contribute to dialogue among civilizations.