Upon her arrival at the historic Bab Al Makina, Princess Lalla Salma reviewed a detachment of the auxiliary forces, who made the honors before being greeted notably by Interior minister Mohamed Hassad, Culture Minister Mohamed Amine Sbihi, and Wali of Fez-Boulmane region, Governor of the prefecture of Fez, Mohamed Derdouri.

   Afterwards, HRH Princess Lalla Salma attended the inaugural concert of the festival, a great musical fresco entitled "Fez, in search of Africa", which evoked the soul of Africa with multiple heritages. 

   From desert wastes to the treasures of ancient palaces, this great musical tale evokes the spirit of African heritage. It takes its inspiration from The History & Description of Africa written by Hassan Al Wazzan (c 1490-1550, known as Leo Africanus or Yuhanna Al Assad in Arabic), as well as highlighting the history of the Tijani Sufi brotherhood.

   The performance is a tribute to these great mystical travellers who forged historic links between Morocco and the rest of Africa.

   Held under the theme: "Fez in the mirror of Africa", the week-long festival will bring together major African and international talents and will celebrate the historic relationship that Fes and Africa have had for so long.