Moroccan events promote Chinese tea, Sichuan culture

From July 30 to August 2, three events under the theme "Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon" were held in Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco. The series brought Chinese tea traditions, Sichuan Opera, and tea-related intangible cultural heritage to local audiences.

A special event for invited guests was held at the Casablanca Marriott Hotel on July 31, featuring a dedicated exhibition area showcasing major categories of Chinese tea, teaware culture, and the etiquette of the tea ceremony. This allowed guests to enjoy the performances while immersing themselves in the essence of Chinese tea culture.

More than 120 people attended the event, including Elhoussein El Moufti, deputy mayor of Kenitra; Hu Yali, executive director of the China Cultural Center in Rabat; Ahmed El Amine El Azzaoui, director of the Moroccan Association of Tea and Coffee Industries; Idris el-Idrissi, president of the Rabat Forum Association for the Revival of Cultural and Artistic Heritage; Nabil Belkass, president of the Moroccan-Chinese Youth League, alongside representatives from local cultural and tourism sectors, civil associations, and members of the Chinese community.

Attendees enjoyed a medley of Sichuan Opera, acrobatics, and traditional Chinese music played on the pipa (a four-stringed lute). A highlight of the event was a fascinating long-spout teapot art performance, which is a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

On July 30, the cultural salon visited the Hubous Youth Center in Casablanca, drawing enthusiastic participation from over 80 young people. While savoring fine Chinese teas, attendees experienced the unique charm of Sichuan Opera and traditional Chinese arts up close in a relaxed, interactive atmosphere.

The series concluded on August 2 with a public, open-air performance at Rabat's Hassan II Park, which attracted over 3,000 local residents.

Long after the well-received show concluded, audience members remained at the venue to take photos and talk with performers.