Organizers

Founded in June 2017, the Association du Patrimoine et du Folklore (APF) is a Moroccan organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of Moroccan and international cultural heritage in all its forms.

Through festivals, artistic gatherings, and intercultural projects, the association works to highlight the richness of Moroccan folklore while fostering dialogue between cultures from around the world.

As the organizer of Marrakech Folklore Days, APF reaffirms its mission to build bridges between musical traditions, generations, and peoples by bringing together groups from across the globe around universal values: peace, diversity, and spirituality.

Its commitment is part of a long-term vision: to make intangible heritage a living tool for cultural, tourism, and human development.

Born and raised in his beloved city of Marrakech, Youssef HASSANI, a 39-year-old Moroccan, has specialized in the field of event management since completing his studies.

Over the past six years, he has had the opportunity to work as an artistic director for numerous international festivals in countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, and China.

In 2015, he was appointed Associate Director of Prague Folklore Days, a world folklore festival that has been active for more than 20 years in the beautiful Czech capital, where he has been based for several years.

Through this experience, he became deeply inspired by the powerful impact that such cultural events can have, particularly in strengthening tourism in host countries through meaningful cultural exchanges. Each year, these gatherings create a unique space where cultures from around the world come together in a spirit of unity.

Motivated by this vision, he founded the Association du Patrimoine et du Folklore, determined to pursue its objectives and launch a new international folklore festival in his hometown of Marrakech.

At every stage of the event, together with his team, he strives to leave a lasting impression of the history, culture, and traditions of the Red City in the hearts of the participating groups who come from all corners of the world.

Today, the success of the festival is the result of a collective commitment shared by artists, festivalgoers, organizers, and volunteers, all united by the same passion for culture and exchange.

The world reveals its beauty through the diversity of its colors, flourishing in a spirit of harmony and fraternity that can be felt on our stages, in our streets, and above all in our hearts.

The “other” is no longer a stranger or distant figure; instead, they become a brother or a friend, arriving with the treasures of their culture to share in a mutual exchange of wonder and discovery.

The emotions born from these encounters are those of genuine joy: tears of sincere happiness and laughter filled with hope, affirming the strength of culture in the face of the tensions that affect our world.

With APF and the World Folklore Days festival, everyone is invited to become a messenger of peace, generosity, and hope.

Over the years, numerous events and editions have helped nurture this spirit of unity and cultural celebration.

The organization of this gathering is the result of close collaboration between APFM (The Association of World Heritage and Folklore) and two key partners: H-KAL Communication and Event Agency (Morocco) and Millennium Agency (Czech Republic), organizers of the renowned international folklore festival held in Prague since 2006. Throughout the festival’s history, more than 1,600 folklore dance groups from over 90 countries have taken part, bringing together more than 130,000 artists.

Many of these groups regularly return to participate and have shown great interest in visiting Marrakech to perform and share their traditions with Moroccan audiences.