Marrakech Popular Arts FestivalThere is never a dull moment in this teeming city designed to inflict sensory overload, but during the summer Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech is more frenzied and alive than ever, the already-packed streets even more crowded with an abundance of tourists and Moroccans avid for fun. Artists, craftsmen, vendors, musicians, acrobats, fire-swallowers and dancers hold performances in every corner of the city, with the center of the action at the ruined 16th-century Badi Palace, once the heart of the powerful Saadian Dynasty. One of the most popular features
is the 'fantasia', a choreographed trick horse-riding spectacle held each evening in a field near the Bab Jdid just outside the city walls. For more information contact the Morocco Tourist Office on +212 (0)37 681 531/532/533 or admin@tourism-in-morocco.com
Venue: Various, but mainly Badi Palace and Djemma el Fna
Date: July 2009 TBA
Marathon des SablesThe week-long Sand Marathon takes place in the grueling conditions of Moroccan desert with sandstorms and brain-frying heat as the major obstacles to achieving such an intense feat. The race is over 150 miles (241km) of craggy, sandswept terrain and competitors from around the world partake in the charity-driven event that benefits the infrastructure of the region. Only the fittest and most prepared are advised to partake.
Venue: Ouarzazate
Date: 27 March to 6 April 2009
Website: www.darbaroud.com
Dakka MarrakchiaDakka Marrakchia is a type of music made up of choral chants and polyrhythmic percussion, celebrated in Marrakech with this extraordinary festival. Local shopkeepers and craftsmen give rhythmic performances as a tribute to the city's seven spiritual patrons, the Sabaatou Rijal.
Date: February 2010, TBA
Friendship FestivalThis fantastic event is structured to bring different cultures together and encourage brotherhood. Marrakech's annual Friendship Festival features a variety of local and international talent, with performances ranging from traditional Moroccan music to American gospel rock.
Date: May 2009 TBA
Website: www.friendshipfest.com
Imilchil Marriage FestivalInspired by Morocco's very own Romeo and Juliet story, this tribal marriage festival marries up to 40 couples while Berber tribesmen dance and give spontaneous musical performances. The event enables different tribes to meet and find partners, widening the gene pool. A number of festivities take place, making this mass blind date well worth attending. The dates of this festival depend on the harvest; consult the local tourist office for details.
Venue: Imilchil
Date: August 2009
Montreux Jazz Festival MoroccoCelebrated in the stunning setting of La Ménara and the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, the Moroccan version of the Montreux Jazz Festival combines all the memorable elements of this classic event. Workshops, acoustic concerts and the Montreux Jazz Club are all prepared to entertain casual visitors and jazz lovers alike.
Venue: Bahia Palace
Date: July 2009 TBA
Website: www.montreuxjazz.com
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
