Morocco Events: A Guide to the Country’s Cultural and Festive Celebrations
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
Morocco is a country that is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Throughout the year, the country hosts a variety of events that showcase its unique traditions and customs. From music festivals to religious celebrations, there is always something happening in Morocco.
One of the most popular events in Morocco is the Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival, which takes place every summer. This festival is a celebration of traditional Moroccan arts and culture, featuring music, dance, and theater performances. Visitors can also enjoy exhibitions of traditional crafts and art, as well as street performances and parades.
Another popular event in Morocco is the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival. This festival is a celebration of the Gnaoua people, an ethnic group that has a rich musical tradition. The festival features performances by Gnaoua musicians as well as world-renowned artists from a variety of genres. The festival takes place in the coastal city of Essaouira, which is known for its picturesque medina and stunning beaches.
Morocco is a country that loves to celebrate, and its annual events calendar is packed with a wide range of festivals and cultural events. From music and film to art and literature, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the country’s rich culture and heritage.
Marrakech International Film Festival
The Marrakech International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Africa and the Arab world. Founded in 2001, the festival attracts filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world. The festival showcases a selection of films from Morocco and around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
The festival also features a number of special events, including workshops, seminars, and panel discussions. These events provide an opportunity for filmmakers and industry professionals to exchange ideas and discuss the latest trends in the film industry.
Mawazine Festival
The Mawazine Festival, also known as the Rhythms of the World Festival, is a music festival that takes place annually in Rabat. The festival features a diverse range of music genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and traditional Moroccan music.
The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry, including international artists such as Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John. In addition to the music, the festival also features a range of cultural events, including art exhibitions, theater performances, and film screenings.
Essaouira Festival Gnaoua and World Music Festival
The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival is a celebration of traditional Moroccan music (Berber music) and culture. The festival takes place annually in the coastal city of Essaouira and features a range of musical performances, including traditional Gnaoua music, jazz, and blues.
The festival attracts musicians and music lovers from around the world, and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively performances. In addition to the music, the festival also features a range of cultural events, including art exhibitions, workshops, and traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Other Festivals and Celebrations
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is an annual festival held in Fes, Morocco, for a week in June. It brings together some of the most well-known spiritual dancers and musicians from Morocco and around the world. The festival aims to promote peace and tolerance through music and spirituality. It attracts over 100,000 people from all over the world every year.
The festival features a variety of performances, including Sufi chants, Andalusian music, and other traditional Moroccan music genres. It also features performances from artists from other parts of the world, such as India, Iran, and Turkey. The festival has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”
Rose Festival in El Kelaa M’gouna
The Rose Festival is an annual festival held in El Kelaa M’gouna, a town located in the Dades Valley of Morocco. The festival is usually held in May and celebrates the blooming of roses in the valley. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The festival features a parade of floats decorated with rose petals, traditional music and dance performances, and a beauty pageant to crown the “Rose Queen.” Visitors can also participate in workshops to learn about rose water distillation and other traditional crafts.
Tan Tan Moussem
The Tan Tan Moussem is an annual festival held in Tan Tan, a town located in the southern part of Morocco, near the border with Western Sahara. The festival is usually held in September and celebrates the nomadic culture and cultural heritage of the region.
The festival features traditional music and dance performances, camel races, and a souk (market) where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts and food. The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year and is a unique opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the region.
International cultural festival
This vibrant event features an array of activities, including concerts, workshops, theatre performances, and equestrian shows in Assilah. Perhaps the most picturesque aspect of the festival is the transformation of the city’s white walls, which are adorned with a multitude of colours during the celebrations.
Erfoud Date Festival
The Erfoud Date Festival, captured by Towfiqu Photography/Getty Images, takes place over three days in early October. This lively event honours the harvest of more than a million date palms in the Erfoud region. Following the harvest, the celebrations comprise traditional music, dancing, and vibrant processions
Sports Events
Morocco is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of events taking place throughout the year. Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few of the top sports events in Morocco:
Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables is one of the most grueling endurance events in the world. Held annually in the Sahara Desert, the race covers over 250 kilometers in six days. Participants must carry all their own food and equipment, and endure temperatures that can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. Despite the extreme conditions, the race attracts thousands of participants from around the world each year.
Rallye Aicha des Gazelles
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The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles is an all-female rally that takes place in the Moroccan desert. Unlike traditional rallies, the goal is not to finish the course in the shortest amount of time, but to navigate the shortest distance possible using only a map and compass. The rally covers over 2,500 kilometers in nine days and attracts participants from all over the world.
Transmarocaine
The Transmarocaine is a multi-sport event that takes place in the Atlas Mountains. Participants compete in a range of activities, including mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and orienteering. The event covers over 300 kilometers in six days and is open to both individuals and teams.
These are just a few of the many sports events that take place in Morocco each year. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new challenge, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Muslim calendar
In general, the Muslim calendar, or lunar Islamic calendar, dictates the main festivals Moroccans celebrate. To truly comprehend the country’s popular festivities, it is essential to be familiar with this calendar. With 98% of the population adhering to its traditions, the most significant months include January, or Muharram, which marks the New Year; March, or Rabi, which celebrates the birth of the Prophet; September, which is the month of Ramadan; and October.
