Morocco — Events
Marathon des Sables
The 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.
Jazzablanca Festival
Featuring a number of jazz musicians from around the globe, this annual event sees thousands of visitors to the city each April when the event takes place at the Megarama Cinema in Casablanca. One of Casablanca’s most prestigious events on the social calendar, Jazzblanca is a must for lovers of all things jazz.
Friendship Festival
This 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.
Sacred Music Festival
This international festival of music is a celebration of Islam and music lovers from all across the word travel to hear a diverse selection of music, not only from Africa, but from Europe, Asia and South America too. The ancient city of Fez hosts styles ranging from European classical to Sufi music from India and Pakistan, African classical guitar to Japanese drumming. The variety is as endless as the maze of Fez itself and the festival is increasing in popularity annually.
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
There 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.
Montreux Jazz Festival Morocco
Celebrated 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.
Casablanca Festival
A celebration of all things Moroccan and Casablancan, the Casablanca Festival showcases local arts and music, and celebrations take place all over the city’s pubic spaces, including cinemas, beaches, squares and streets. Look out for international artists and musicians, such as Craig David who will be performing this year.
Asilah Arts Festival
The quiet fishing village of Asilah comes alive each August when artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and performers from all over the globe descend. Performances are centerd at the Royal Palace and the Hasan Center, while painters are given a large wall in the city to transform into a colorful mural. There are also seminars and conferences where global issues are addressed. The Asilah Arts Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals in Morocco.
Imilchil Marriage Festival
Inspired 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.
