The cultural exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus” continues its journey through Morocco and now arrives in Larache, following its stop in Chefchaouen in 2025. For us, this new chapter holds special meaning. It allows us to continue being part of an initiative deeply connected to the history, culture and identity that have inspired Califa Vejer since its beginnings.
An initiative we are proud to organise alongside Diversitas Association, Amigos del País Association and production company Bridge2Connect, with the support of the Provincial Culture Foundation of Cádiz Provincial Council and several Moroccan institutions.
From 15 to 23 May, the Moroccan city will host Larache Cultural Week and the travelling exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus”, dedicated to the shared heritage of Morocco and Spain. A cultural gathering bringing together researchers, artists, cultural organisations and institutional representatives around the memory of Al-Andalus as a space for dialogue, exchange and connection between both shores of the Strait.
At the Califa, we have always felt closely connected to this relationship between Andalusia and Morocco. It is present in our gastronomy, our hotels, the architecture of our spaces and in a way of understanding hospitality that looks towards the Mediterranean, North Africa and Andalusian heritage as part of one shared story.
The exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus” was created with precisely this spirit: to highlight Andalusian heritage as an essential part of Morocco’s cultural memory and as a shared territory of human, artistic and intellectual exchange.
For nine days, Larache will host a programme featuring Andalusian music concerts, scientific and intellectual round tables, poetry gatherings, educational workshops, photography exhibitions, literary presentations and cultural activities for all ages.
The opening day will take place on Friday 15 May, with an official reception for participants and institutional guests, the opening of the exhibition and an Andalusian music concert by the Ochaq Attarab Orchestra, directed by Ahmed Draoui.
For James Stuart, CEO of Califa Vejer, “being part of this cultural event means continuing to strengthen the historic and emotional ties between Andalusia and Morocco, two territories linked by centuries of exchange, influence and shared heritage.”
Because beyond history itself, Al-Andalus remains alive in many everyday expressions: in the way we cook, build, welcome others and share time around a table. And this is precisely where Califa Vejer has found a fundamental part of its identity over the years.
General Programme
Friday 15 May
• Official reception of participants
• Opening of Cultural Week and the “Children of Al-Andalus” exhibition
• Andalusian music concert by the Ochaq Attarab Orchestra, directed by Ahmed Draoui
Saturday 16 May
• Visit to the archaeological site of Lixus
• Screening of the documentary Children of Al-Andalus
• Round table: “Living Memory Between Both Shores”
Sunday 17 May
• Visit to Larache’s old Medina
• Presentation of the book Philosophy of Health and the Ethical Question
Monday 18 May
• Photography workshop
• Poetry gathering
• Presentation of the book Films That Shaped My Life
Tuesday 19 May
• Educational workshop for children
• Presentation of the book on Lalla Mnana Al-Misbahiya
• Discussion: “Women Creators of Larache”
Wednesday 20 May
• Children’s reading workshop
• Round table on Moroccan culture
• Contemporary novel presentation
Thursday 21 May
• Scientific round table on local authorities and public policies
Friday 22 May
• Storytelling session for children
• Popular poetry gathering (Zajal)
• Literary presentation
Saturday 23 May (Closing Ceremony)
• Round table on media and cultural engagement
• Official closing ceremony
• Reading of the message of loyalty to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him
The organisers invite the public, researchers, students and culture enthusiasts to take part in this cultural week, conceived as a space for dialogue, exchange and appreciation of a shared historical and human heritage.
Organisation of Larache Cultural Week
Larache Cultural Week and the Travelling Exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus”
Friday 15 May 2026 | Larache
Larache Cultural Centre announces the official programme for the opening day of Larache Cultural Week and the travelling exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus”, taking place on Friday 15 May 2026 at Lixus Bab Al Bahr Cultural Centre.
Opening Day Programme
18:30 | Official reception
Reception of participants, institutional guests, researchers and representatives of cultural organisations from Morocco and Spain.
19:00 | Official opening
Opening ceremony of Cultural Week and the travelling exhibition “Children of Al-Andalus”.
19:30 | Welcome tea
A space for institutional and cultural networking among participants.
20:00 | Institutional speeches
Presentation led by Professor Ishraq.
20:30 | Andalusian music concert
Performance by the Ochaq Attarab Orchestra, directed by artist Ahmed Draoui, in a recital dedicated to Andalusian musical heritage as an expression of shared memory.
Closing of the day
The opening forms part of a broader cultural programme aimed at strengthening the historical, cultural and human ties between Morocco and Spain through Andalusian heritage as a space for encounter and dialogue.
