The Fes World Sacred Music Festival is sadly over, and as I reflect on the performances that took place, there is one thing above all, I believe, that needs to be addressed. The Fes World Sacred Music Festival was legendary, an occasion that I, for one, will never forget. Ever. It was an epic and unforgettable journey for me personally. From hesitating to buy a pass and then realising, ‘Hey, I’ve never been in Fez for the festival and I need to just go for it’, I was completely hooked. That was it. Intrigued, fascinated and thrilled; there were some emotional and overwhelming moments for me whilst listening and being overtaken by the music. After attending the opening night performance, I knew that I was supposed to be there. I had done the right thing. This time I was in Fez for the festival, I could actually attend it and I knew that I needed to be at the Fes World Sacred Music Festival. It inspired, reinforced my thoughts about travel and touched me in a way like no other festival. The spirit, the music, the atmosphere, the people, the environment, the venues, the sounds, literally the list could go on forever – it was a magical and a truly incredible eight-day gig. I don’t think anyone, including me, can write down in words the exact feelings and thoughts that run through your mind whilst relishing in the festival experience. You just have to be in Fez to really get the true and genuine feeling of this musical treasure. It’s just so extraordinary, everybody rushing around the maze of the medina, going this way and that way, down this alleyway to this Dar, frantically trying to find a specific museum and the ‘what’s-the-name-of-it-again’ square to find that one special musical event. It is truly amazing – a setting like no other. It was phenomenal. And as the huge heap of tourists now leave Fez and return back to their ‘normal’ lives, the echo of the festival still continues and lingers on, for me anyway. It was a sensational experience. Every part of me was touched by this event. In tact, in the zone, there and then. The Fes World Sacred Music Festival 2012 has been a grand and great time for me. Connecting with the music, performers and setting of this festival, it has been a completely one of a kind and unique occasion. A gorgeous, remarkable and beautiful eight days. This festival is one that draws people from all over the world and is so unbelievably special, it’s difficult to think that it’s already over. I will be returning for the festival and I will be moved again. It’s been such a huge part of the Fassi experience for me, it would be silly and unjust not to. The artists, musicians, performers and of course, Fez, I thank you as ever, for an exceptional time that will never be forgotten and will stay with me forever. I cannot thank you all enough…shorkran bezzef and merci beaucoup. A la prochaine!
[Zara Sekhavati]
