The 14th edition of the MATA International Equestrian Festival, one of Morocco’s largest cultural and heritage events, will hold from June 12 to 14 in the province of Larache (north).
Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the 14th edition of the Larache Equestrian Festival has the theme “MATA celebrates Eid al-Adha and half a century of economic, cultural, and spiritual influence of the Moroccan Sahara Provinces.”
According to the press statement by the organisers, the rich and varied programme of this edition highlights the profound cultural and spiritual heritage that characterises the region.
This edition pays tribute to Eid al-Adha (Unity Day), established by King Mohammed VI following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which enshrined the autonomy plan as the basis for resolving the issue of the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
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It underscores the Kingdom’s deep and unwavering commitment to its national unity, territorial integrity and the cohesion of all its constituent parts, from North to South.
This year’s edition focuses on analysing the development of the Sahara, highlighting the economic, social, and cultural progress achieved in the southern provinces.
In this regard, the Atlantic Coast Initiative represents one of the achievements that transcends an economic strategy to become a symbol of solidarity with the Sahel countries lacking access to the Atlantic Ocean.
At the heart of the festival is the renowned equestrian game of Mata, an ancestral tradition of the Jbala tribes of northern Morocco.
This unique spectacle features riders competing to seize a doll symbolising fertility and prosperity, thus perpetuating a heritage passed down through generations.
The event will also bring together artisan and local cooperatives from Morocco and several other African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso, fostering cultural and economic exchange between North and West Africa.
The artistic programme will feature several renowned Moroccan artists, with singer Saida Charaf, an iconic figure from the Southern Provinces, as the guest of honour, who will close the festival’s grand evening performance.
AP
