Ilaf's Story: Local Festivals and Life in Tétouan

By Ilaf Kachchour El Ghanami

Hello! I am a sixteen-year-old girl from Tétouan, Morocco, and I'm so glad for sharing my experience with our Inclusitalk family.

I couldn’t be more grateful for being born and raised in such a lively city. One interesting thing about Tétouan is that it has a mosaic of cultures and traditions. It’s not just where I live; instead, there’s an amalgamation of different forces that influence how we interact every day.

Growing up here, I have observed how our town’s history as a commercial center affected us. If you walk along the streets of Tétouan, you can see the mix between Arab-Berber roots with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Starting from Andalusian-like houses to beautiful Moroccan motifs on walls, architecture describes centuries of cultural exchanges.

Another aspect I love about Tétouan is its multiethnicity and diverse customs. Our society represents various backgrounds, thus adding dynamism within our town. Whether it is food, celebrations, or daily practices, there is always something new to know and experience. For example, attending local festivals is always exciting. Each festival shows a different part of who we are as people, and being part of these events is very fulfilling.

I have attended many local festivals, and each one has been a unique experience. At these festivals, the streets are always alive with music, bright colors, and joyful crowds. There are traditional dances, delicious foods, and lots of people from different backgrounds coming together. It’s a time when everyone shares their customs and stories, and it feels like being part of one big family.

One festival that stands out to me is the Tétouan International Festival. This event is special because it brings together artists and performers from all over the world. I remember walking through the streets and seeing so many different cultures represented. There was vibrant music, beautiful dance performances, and art from many countries. It was amazing to see how people from all around the globe can come together and celebrate their differences in such a joyful way.

Another festival I enjoyed was the Tétouan Arts Festival. This festival had many art exhibitions and workshops. I loved seeing local artists display their work and learning about their creative processes. It was a chance to appreciate the talent in our city and feel inspired by new ideas.

Living in Tétouan and experiencing these festivals has helped me appreciate the many different viewpoints and ways of life around me. It’s like sitting in the front row of an ever-changing show, where every festival adds a new and exciting experience.