الشارقة 24 – وام:
The 19th edition of the “Tan-Tan Season” kicked off on Friday in the Kingdom of Morocco, with the participation of the United Arab Emirates. This vibrant cultural event, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, is organised by the Al-Moukar Foundation and will run until November 3rd.
The UAE pavilion, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with various local institutions dedicated to heritage preservation, experienced a high turnout on its first day. Visitors flocked to explore the diverse sections of the pavilion, which showcased a range of heritage exhibits and activities.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Among its many components, the pavilion features a section dedicated to intangible cultural heritage shared between the UAE and Morocco. This is complemented by a display highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Visitors can also explore traditional maritime heritage, traditional clothing, handicrafts, and an Emirati majlis that embodies authentic hospitality values, along with samplings of Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea (“atay”), traditional cuisine, and heritage games, alongside shops offering a variety of products and heritage crafts.
Traditional Skills and Knowledge
The pavilion provides an opportunity for guests to learn about traditional skills and knowledge passed down through generations. This is achieved through live demonstrations and workshops on handicrafts organised in cooperation with the General Women’s Union, as well as showcases of local cooking traditions and Emirati folk arts. This initiative aims to reflect the diversity of the national heritage and enhance its representation and appreciation among audiences.
Competitions and Heritage Activities
The participation programme also includes a series of competitions and heritage activities, such as camel racing, beauty contests for camels, and milk production contests in partnership with the UAE Camel Racing Federation. Other events feature traditional crafts, cooking competitions for preparing “assida”, and the making of “atay”, along with fishing activities and displays of traditional tents. Additionally, the schedule encompasses artistic performances and poetry evenings celebrating Nabati poetry and its significance within the cultural heritage.
During the accompanying events, His Excellency Abdullah Bati Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Heritage Awareness and Knowledge Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, honoured the winners of the milk production and cooking contests aimed at children, which took place as part of the UAE pavilion’s programme at Tan-Tan Season. These initiatives are designed to highlight genuine traditional practices and encourage engagement in heritage-preserving activities.
Strengthening Heritage Connections
The UAE’s participation in the Tan-Tan Season holds special significance, having been a consistent presence at this crucial event since 2014. The ongoing involvement has fostered communication between heritage institutions and facilitated the exchange of experiences in preserving intangible cultural heritage, alongside promoting shared customs and traditions that underscore the profound historical and cultural links between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco.