Annual Festivals and Events in Morocco

Traditional festivals with a grand celebration of dancing, singing and feasting, a national event with a lively atmosphere, check the information on the annual festivals below and take a Morocco tour without missing out on the various festivals and events!

January

Yennayer: Yennayer is a festival held from January 12th to January 13th. It is a Berber custom to celebrate Yennayer to mark the first month of the Amazigh year. The most vibrant celebrations take place in villages like Agadir or Tizinit in the Middle Atlas, where people sing, dance, and feast together to mark the start of the harvest season. Try visiting these villages to take part in the festivities.

Anniversary of the Manifesto of Independence: Morocco celebrates this festival to commemorate their first attempt for independence from France on January 11, 1944. Celebrations take place all across Moroccan streets with displays, parades, and joy and are considered a national holiday for the country.

February

Almond Blossom Festival: It is a festival honoring a huge annual crop of almonds held by the town of Tafraoute every year around late February. Attendees of the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival may enjoy ancient Berber artistic traditions such as musical performances and folk dancing, and purchase a variety of almond-based goods. The event is held annually in February; however, the exact date differs from year to year. Trek the nearby hills and stop at the well-known Blue Painted Rocks while you're there.

March

International Nomads Festival: This celebration of nomadic culture lasts for three days and takes place in the small Saharan town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane. Performers, singers, authors, and artisans from the area will be performing and selling their wares at this free outdoor festival. The celebration is usually held sometime in late March, but the date is not fixed.

Marrakech Biennale: It is a modern art exhibition that is held throughout March in Marrakesh. It is a popular stop for art lovers and visitors because many works of art, both local and international, are on display.

April

The Sand Marathon: The marathon is a worldwide sporting event taking place in the Sahara over 10 days, where athletes have to race 156 miles. To take part in the marathon, you should make sure to register in advance.

Sufi Music & Cultural Festival: The festival is held in Fes for 8 days, and a wide range of performers, musicians, and spiritual leaders attend to celebrate Sufi music.

International World Music Festival of Merzouga: There's nothing more enchanted than attending a concert in the middle of the desert at night. This well-attended Saharan celebration lasts for three days and takes place on the world-famous Erg Chebbi dunes. Dates vary annually but often fall during the first two weeks of the month.

May

Festival of Roses: El Kelaa M'Gouna, in a magnificent green valley, throws an annual vibrant festival to celebrate the harvest of petals that will be used to make many rose-infused goods. Attendees may look forward to Berber dancing, local cuisine, and, obviously, rose-themed goods. Dates and timing change annually, so be sure to plan early.

Rythms of the World Concert/ Mawazine: Over two million people worldwide are drawn every year to this music extravaganza in Rabat City. You may be able to see Moroccan talents play alongside international celebrities, including Martin Garrix and Rhianna. If you want to participate in this incredible experience, make your reservation in advance.

June

Festival of World Sacred Music: This festival is held in Fes in late June to celebrate art. It isn't just about music, many other programs and entertainments are displayed during the festival.

Gnaoua World Music Festival: The Gnawa, an aboriginal people of the Maghreb, are honored with a three-day celebration in the ancient city of Essaouira in June. Although Essaouira has traditionally been a hub for Gnawa music, the event also showcases current musical genres like hip-hop, rock and roll, and jazz. Aside from being among the best ways to spend a June day, this festival is also among the best locations to be because of its beachside location.

July

International Cultural Festival of Asilah: It is an art festival held in Asilah, the beautiful coastal city, during two weeks of the month of July, gathering artists from around the globe and featuring dance, music, and mural painting.

Timitar Music Festival: This festival takes place on the beachfront of the famed city port of Agadir for four days to celebrate Berber culture.

Feast of the Throne: This is a Moroccan holiday to commemorate the coronation of King Mohammed VI on July 30th. Because the date coincides with the fast of Ramadan, celebrations are held in the evening.

August

Imilchil Marriage Festival: This celebration, which might occasionally begin in August, commemorates the period when young people start looking for potential spouses. Imilchil, a community in the High Atlas, has customary celebrations with dancing, music, and cuisine.

September

Oasis Festival: It is an annual electronic dance music event that takes place outside of Marrakech and is growing in popularity. Every year, the festival has a theme of celebration.

L'Boulevard Festival: a seven-day concert event in Casablanca that features different groups of musicians competing to gain some visibility.

Tanjazz Festival: Tangier hosts a three-day jazz festival every year with free concerts and displays in the streets.

October

Erfoud Date Festival: Located in southern Morocco, Erfoud, also known as the "Gateway to the Desert," organises every year a great festival to celebrate the harvest of dates. Following the harvest, there are festivities during the next three days, including the election of the "Date Queen," feasts, dancing, and racing.

Taragalte Festival: These three days of celebrating "harmony" under the stars of the Sahara Desert are a fascinating way to learn about the nomadic way of life.

November

Moroccan Independence Day: On November 18, Moroccans commemorate the day their country gained its freedom from French domination. Festivities, spectacles, and celebrations of all kinds will be held around the nation, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

International Film Festival of Marrakech: This well-attended film festival takes place in Marrakesh every year, beginning in late November and often running into the first week of December, reuniting celebrities from both Morocco and around the world.

December

Tan Tan Moussem: Several native Moroccan tribes celebrate their shared culture with camel races, dances, and horse contests at this storied event in the country's southeastern corner.

If you are ready to take a Morocco tour and have some unique experiences with these exciting festivals, please don't hesitate to contact us, just simply tell us your interests and needs, and one of our travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary for you within 24hrs.