WorldFest is the largest international Festival in North Texas. This year, with Morocco’s participation, WorldFest has set a new record by hosting close to 30,000 attendees, with many visitors coming from other countries. The Moroccan Village was built on 10,000 square feet covered by 20 tents. It was a mix of tradition, authenticity and modern culture as 30+ Moroccan artisans and craftsmen created artifacts made of glass, wood, leather and bronze to build furniture, home textiles and other specialty goods. Witch's created the wow factor throughout the festival.
Visitors rested next to a mosaic fountain, enjoyed melodious sounds from Melhoun "Popular Moroccan Songs" Diva, Laila Lamrini, joined by the Moroccan Orchestra group “Renaissance” or from the Gnawa’s dynamic street performers “Ouled Bombara” who have represented Morocco in many festivals all over the world.
Caftan designer Kenza Nafy enchanted the crowed with her beautiful collections and creations presented at a fashion show.
Another highlight of the festival was the traditional Moroccan wedding. The lucky groom and bride (Moroccan Actress Amal Essagr) were carried by the Gnaoua group which performed the "Ammaria Dance" and perform other great acts that happen during a Moroccan wedding.
A Moroccan wedding could not be complete without serving the delicious healthy eating for life Moroccan food. There will be plenty of it, including Besteela, Tagine, Couscous, Harira, Moroccan sweets (Gazelle corns, Briwat, Shabbkia, and more), followed by a glass of hot Moroccan mint tea.
Presented by the Town of Addison and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, Worldfest was a two day “getaway” celebrating the world’s diverse heritage by providing a genuine global experience with international music and dance, exhibitions, an international market, ethnic foods, children’s activities and more. Besides Morocco, other countries were celebrated by WorldFest, like Turkey, Mexico, Bulgaria,..etc.
Bringing Morocco to WorldFest was a long journey but also a great accomplishment. An effort organized by Morocco’s “ House of Artisan- “Dar assani”, Mr. Ahmed Yanouri, a board member of World Affairs Council and Mr. Chaib Salih, President of the Moroccan North Texas Association and member of the World Affairs Council.
Dar-assani ‘s goal is to add other cities in the US next year such as Washington DC to share Morocco’s culture and heritage.
WordFest is now over, but the Moroccan Village will still be in Addison, TX until November 7th 2010, open daily 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Don't miss the Moroccan Village, I PROMISE it will be worth it.
