Discovering...
Morocco Festivals & Events Calendar 2026
Complete month-by-month guide to 40+ festivals, from the Gnaoua trance rituals in Essaouira to Mawazine's 2.5 million-strong crowd in Rabat. Music, culture, religion, film — every major event with dates, locations, and practical tips.
A Year of Celebration
Morocco hosts over 40 major festivals annually, blending African, Arab, Amazigh, and European influences into an event calendar unlike anywhere else. Mawazine in Rabat regularly outdraws Glastonbury and Coachella combined. The Gnaoua Festival turns Essaouira's Atlantic ramparts into a stage for spiritual trance music. And in the Dades Valley, thousands of fresh Damascena roses carpet parade floats each May.
Religious observances shape the year. Ramadan transforms daily life for a full month. Eid al-Adha brings the entire country to a standstill as families gather. The Sufi ceremonies during Mawlid in Fes reveal a mystical side of Moroccan Islam that few outsiders witness.
This guide covers every significant event in 2026 with specific dates (where confirmed), exact locations, ticket prices, and the practical details you need to plan around them. Islamic holiday dates are approximate and depend on lunar sightings; check locally for confirmed dates as they approach.
5+
Major Music Festivals
4
Religious Observances
10+
Cultural & Harvest Festivals
3
Film Festivals
2026 Month-by-Month Festival Calendar
January
Amazigh New Year (Yennayer)
January 13Nationwide
Berber New Year celebrated across Morocco with traditional meals, music, and family gatherings. Government-recognized holiday since 2018. Couscous with seven vegetables is the traditional dish.
Marrakech Marathon
Late JanuaryMarrakech
International marathon through the streets of Marrakech, passing landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Menara Gardens. Around 13,000 runners from 60+ countries participate. Registration from 300 MAD.
February
Ramadan Begins
Around February 17Nationwide
The holy month of fasting starts. Daily rhythms shift dramatically: restaurants close during daylight, and cities come alive after sunset with iftar meals and night markets.
Almond Blossom Festival
Mid-FebruaryTafraout (Anti-Atlas)
Celebration of the almond harvest in the pink granite valley of Tafraout. Traditional Amazigh music, dance performances, and local almond products. The valley turns pink and white with blossoms.
March
Eid al-Fitr
Around March 19-20Nationwide
End of Ramadan. Three days of celebrations with family visits, special prayers, new clothes, and sweets. Shops and businesses close for 2-3 days. Expect heavy domestic travel.
SIAM (Salon International de l'Agriculture)
Late MarchMeknes
Morocco's largest agricultural fair, attracting over 1 million visitors. Exhibits of regional produce, livestock, and agricultural technology. From 30 MAD entry.
April
Kelaat M'Gouna Rose Harvest Begins
Early AprilDades Valley
Rose picking season starts in the Valley of Roses. Local cooperatives begin harvesting Damascena roses at dawn. You can visit cooperatives and see the distillation process from 50 MAD.
Marathon des Sables
April (multi-stage)Sahara Desert (Ouarzazate region)
The world's toughest footrace: 250 km across the Sahara in 6 stages over 7 days. Around 1,000 runners from 50 countries. Entry from 3,500 EUR; spectators can follow from Ouarzazate.
May
Rose Festival (Fete des Roses)
Mid-May (3 days)Kalaat M'Gouna
The biggest cultural festival in the Dades Valley. Parade of floats decorated with roses, election of the Rose Queen, folk music, and Amazigh dancing. Free to attend. Rose products sold at market stalls from 20 MAD.
Eid al-Adha
Around May 26-27Nationwide
The Feast of Sacrifice. Families purchase and ritually sacrifice a sheep. Streets are quieter in the morning; afternoon brings large family meals. Most businesses close for 2-3 days. Domestic travel is extremely heavy in the days before.
FICAM (Festival International du Cinema d'Animation)
Late MayMeknes
International animated film festival featuring screenings, workshops, and masterclasses. Free entry to most screenings. Draws animators and filmmakers from across Africa and Europe.
June
Mawazine Rhythms of the World
Mid-June (6 days)Rabat
One of the largest music festivals on Earth by attendance, regularly drawing 2.5 million+ visitors over six days. Massive international headliners on the OLM Souissi stage (past acts include Rihanna, Elton John, Maroon 5). Free outdoor stages plus ticketed indoor concerts from 200 MAD.
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Late June (4 days)Essaouira
Essaouira's signature event since 1998. Gnaoua trance musicians perform alongside international jazz, blues, and world music artists at free open-air stages along the port and ramparts. The Place Moulay Hassan transforms into a massive concert venue. Up to 500,000 attendees.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Early-Mid June (9 days)Fes
Sufi chanting, gospel choirs, Indian ragas, and Andalusian classical music performed in the historic Bab Makina courtyard and the garden of Dar Batha Museum. Ticketed concerts from 150 MAD; free fringe events in the medina.
July
Jazzablanca
Early July (3 days)Casablanca (Anfa Hippodrome)
Morocco's premier jazz festival, held at the Anfa Park in Casablanca. Mix of international jazz, soul, funk, and electronic artists. Past performers include Jamiroquai, Lenny Kravitz, and Disclosure. Day passes from 350 MAD; full festival from 800 MAD.
Timitar Festival
Mid-July (4 days)Agadir
Free Amazigh music and world music festival in the Atlantic coast city of Agadir. Celebrates Berber culture with performances by Amazigh artists alongside international acts. Multiple stages around the city center. Draws 400,000+ attendees annually.
Moussem of Tan-Tan
July (dates vary)Tan-Tan
UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Nomadic tribes from the Saharan regions gather for camel races, traditional music, poetry recitals, and trading. A rare chance to witness authentic Saharan nomadic culture. Free to attend.
August
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Moussem
August (varies)Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Morocco's patron saint, Moulay Idriss I. Religious processions, Sufi music, and community feasting. Non-Muslims can observe from outside the shrine area. The hilltop town near Volubilis fills with pilgrims.
Cultural Season in Asilah
Throughout AugustAsilah
Asilah's medina walls become an open-air gallery as Moroccan and international artists paint murals during this annual arts season. Poetry readings, concerts, and art exhibitions. Free to wander and watch artists at work.
September
Oasis Festival
Mid-September (3 days)Marrakech (The Source)
Boutique electronic music festival at a resort venue outside Marrakech. International DJs spin house, techno, and electronica poolside. Workshops on yoga, cooking, and art. Weekend passes from 1,800 MAD; day passes from 700 MAD.
Tanjazz
Mid-September (4 days)Tangier
Tangier's jazz festival features performances at the historic Palais des Institutions Italiennes and other venues across the city. Mix of Moroccan, European, and American jazz artists. Tickets from 100 MAD per concert.
October
Date Festival (Festival des Dattes)
Late October (3 days)Erfoud
Harvest celebration in the Tafilalet oasis. Processions, folk music, Gnaoua performances, and a date market where you can taste dozens of date varieties. Free entry. Erfoud's streets fill with vendors selling fresh dates from 30 MAD/kg.
Sefrou Cherry Festival
Early OctoberSefrou (near Fes)
One of Morocco's oldest festivals, dating to 1920. Celebrates the cherry harvest with parades, traditional Amazigh music, a Cherry Queen pageant, and folk dancing. Free. The small Andalusian-style town of Sefrou is 30 km from Fes.
Visa For Music
Late October (3 days)Rabat
Africa and Middle East's leading music industry conference and showcase festival. Over 50 acts perform across Rabat's Theatre Mohammed V and other venues. Professional networking by day, concerts by night. Passes from 200 MAD.
November
Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM)
Late November (8 days)Marrakech (Palais des Congres)
Morocco's premier cinematic event, founded by King Mohammed VI. Red carpet screenings at the Palais des Congres, with free open-air screenings on Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Past tributes: Martin Scorsese, Cate Blanchett, Robert De Niro. Screening tickets from 50 MAD.
Green Horse (Salon du Cheval d'El Jadida)
Mid-November (6 days)El Jadida
Morocco's horse and equestrian culture on full display. Show jumping, traditional tbourida (cavalry charge) demonstrations, horse breeding exhibits, and equestrian competitions. Entry from 50 MAD. The tbourida performances alone are worth the trip.
December
Tan-Tan Moussem (second edition)
December (varies)Tan-Tan
Some years see a second gathering of nomadic tribes in the southern city of Tan-Tan. Camel markets, traditional desert music, and Sahrawi culture. Check locally for confirmed dates as this second edition is not held every year.
New Year Celebrations
December 31Major cities
Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier host New Year's Eve events at hotels, restaurants, and private venues. Gala dinners from 800 MAD at upscale hotels. Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech draws crowds for an informal street celebration. Not an official Moroccan holiday.
Top 5 Music Festivals in Morocco
Morocco punches far above its weight in live music. These five festivals draw millions of attendees annually and attract headliners who play Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium.
1
Mawazine Rhythms of the World
RabatJune2.5 million+Pop, Hip-Hop, Arabic, World Music
Founded in 2001, Mawazine has grown into one of the largest music festivals globally. The OLM Souissi stage holds 200,000 people and has hosted Shakira, The Weeknd, and Jason Derulo. The Nahda stage features Arabic and Moroccan artists. Six days of nonstop music across Rabat.
Free outdoor stages; indoor concerts from 200 MADBook Rabat hotels the moment dates are announced. Budget accommodations sell out months ahead.
2
Gnaoua World Music Festival
EssaouiraJune500,000+Gnaoua, Jazz, Blues, World Fusion
The Gnaoua Festival put Essaouira on the global music map. Gnaoua master musicians (maalems) lead hypnotic trance rituals with their signature guembri bass lutes, joined by international jazz and blues artists for one-of-a-kind fusion performances. The main stage sits between the medina ramparts and the Atlantic.
Free open-air stages; special concerts from 150 MADArrive a day early. The medina riads fill completely during the festival, and Essaouira is small. Camp at Sidi Kaouki beach (20 km south) if accommodation is full.
3
Jazzablanca
CasablancaJuly200,000+Jazz, Soul, Funk, Electronic
Casablanca's answer to Montreux. Held at the Anfa Park (formerly Hippodrome), Jazzablanca features three stages with headliners from jazz, soul, and electronic scenes. The VIP village offers premium seating and catering. Past editions featured Marcus Miller, Keziah Jones, and Ibrahim Maalouf.
Day passes from 350 MAD; full festival from 800 MADBuy tickets online early for the best prices. The Casa Tramway runs late during festival nights.
4
Timitar Festival
AgadirJuly400,000+Amazigh, World Music, Reggae
Agadir's free festival is the largest celebration of Amazigh (Berber) musical culture in Morocco. Artists perform in Tashelhit, Tamazight, and Tarifit alongside international world music acts. Stages are set up along Boulevard du 20 Aout near the beach. The atmosphere mixes Souss Amazigh pride with beach-town relaxation.
FreeCombine the festival with beach time. Agadir has Morocco's best urban beach, and daytime is free before evening concerts.
5
Oasis Festival
MarrakechSeptember5,000 (boutique capacity)House, Techno, Electronica
A curated boutique electronic music experience in a resort setting outside Marrakech. DJs perform poolside and in desert-garden settings. The festival also hosts cooking workshops led by Moroccan chefs, yoga sessions, and art installations. Think Ibiza meets the Haouz Plain.
Weekend passes from 1,800 MADBook the on-site accommodation packages for the full experience. Shuttle buses run from central Marrakech.
Religious Observances & Islamic Holidays 2026
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar and shift earlier by roughly 10-11 days each Gregorian year. Dates below are estimates based on astronomical calculations. Official dates are confirmed by the Moroccan government 1-2 days before each observance.
Ramadan
Approx. February 17 - March 18, 2026
The holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Daily life shifts: restaurants close during the day (tourist areas maintain limited service), shops open later, and nights come alive with iftar meals and street food markets. The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) creates a quiet buzz around 4-5 AM.
Traveler tip: Eat and drink discreetly in public during fasting hours. Experience an iftar meal at a local restaurant for a cultural highlight. The harira soup, dates, chebakia pastries, and fresh juices at sunset are memorable.
Eid al-Fitr
Approx. March 19-20, 2026
The three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Families gather for special morning prayers, wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and share festive meals of pastilla, couscous, and sweets. Streets fill with families visiting relatives.
Traveler tip: Most shops, banks, and businesses close for 2-3 days. Transport is extremely busy as Moroccans travel to see family. Book travel in advance. Markets reopen with a festive atmosphere.
Eid al-Adha
Approx. May 26-27, 2026
The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Each family that can afford it purchases a sheep (from 2,000 MAD) for ritual slaughter on the morning of Eid. The meat is divided into thirds: one for the family, one for neighbors, and one for the poor.
Traveler tip: Be prepared for the sights and sounds of animal slaughter in residential areas on the morning of Eid. Many travelers choose to leave cities for the day. The following two days bring large family gatherings with grilled meat (mechoui).
Mawlid (Birthday of the Prophet)
Approx. August 15, 2026
Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Mosques hold special prayers and Quran recitations. Families prepare traditional sweets, and children receive gifts. Sufi brotherhoods hold special dhikr ceremonies with chanting and music, particularly in cities like Fes and Meknes.
Traveler tip: Public holiday with closures. The Sufi ceremonies in the old medinas of Fes are extraordinary for respectful observers. Ask a local guide to help you find an accessible gathering.
Cultural & Harvest Festivals
Beyond the big music events, Morocco's regional harvest festivals offer raw, unglamorous cultural encounters in small towns that rarely appear in guidebooks. Most are free and attract almost no international tourists.
Rose Festival (Fete des Roses)
Kalaat M'Gouna, Dades ValleyMay
Three days of parades, folk music, and Amazigh dancing in the Valley of Roses. Floats decorated with thousands of fresh roses wind through town. The Rose Queen is crowned. Local cooperatives sell rose water, rose oil, rose soap, and rose cream at stalls from 20 MAD.
Date Festival (Festival des Dattes)
Erfoud, Tafilalet RegionOctober
The Tafilalet oasis celebrates its date harvest with three days of processions, Gnaoua music, and a sprawling date market. Taste Medjool, Boufeggous, and Jihel dates fresh from the palm groves. Locals compete for the title of best date producer. Free entry.
Cherry Festival
Sefrou (30 km from Fes)October
One of Morocco's oldest festivals, launched in 1920 during the French Protectorate. Parades with the Cherry Queen, traditional Amazigh dances, cherry-throwing festivities, and a market selling fresh cherries from 40 MAD/kg. The small Andalusian-influenced town is a day trip from Fes.
Moussem of Tan-Tan
Tan-Tan, Southern MoroccoJuly
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event since 2008. Nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes from the Saharan and Sahel regions of Morocco, Mauritania, and Mali gather for camel races, Hassani music, poetry recitals, and traditional crafts. A genuine encounter with Saharan nomadic culture.
Almond Blossom Festival
Tafraout, Anti-AtlasFebruary
When the almond trees flower in the Anti-Atlas mountains, Tafraout hosts traditional Amazigh celebrations. Ahouach dance performances, local music, and markets selling amlou (almond, argan oil, and honey paste) from 60 MAD per jar. The pink granite landscape dotted with white blossoms is spectacular.
Film Festivals
Morocco's film industry has boomed. The country doubles as a filming location for Hollywood blockbusters (Gladiator, Game of Thrones) and produces award-winning domestic cinema. These festivals celebrate both traditions.
Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM)
MarrakechNovember-DecemberScreening tickets from 50 MAD; Jemaa el-Fnaa screenings free
Founded in 2001 under royal patronage, the FIFM has become Africa's most prestigious film festival. The competition showcases films from across Africa, the Arab world, and Asia. The Jemaa el-Fnaa open-air cinema screens classics for free to thousands. Past honorees include Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Cate Blanchett.
FICAM (Festival International du Cinema d'Animation)
MeknesMayMost screenings free; some workshops require registration
The leading animation film festival in the MENA region. Screenings of animated shorts and features from around the world, plus workshops on animation techniques, masterclasses with industry professionals, and a children's program. Meknes provides a quieter, more intimate setting than Marrakech.
Festival National du Film (FNF)
TangierVaries (usually February-March)From 30 MAD per screening
Morocco's national film festival spotlights domestic cinema. Moroccan directors, actors, and producers compete for the Grand Prix. An excellent window into contemporary Moroccan storytelling and social issues. Held at the Cinema Rif and other Tangier venues.
Practical Tips for Festival-Goers
Book Accommodation Early
Hotel prices in festival host cities spike 50-200% during major events. For Mawazine (Rabat), Gnaoua (Essaouira), and the Marrakech Film Festival, book at least 2-3 months ahead. Budget travelers should check Airbnb options in neighboring towns connected by public transport.
Safety at Large Events
Morocco maintains strong security at festivals with police checkpoints and bag searches at entrances. Use a cross-body bag or money belt in crowds. Pickpocketing increases during crowded events, especially at free outdoor concerts. Stay in well-lit areas after dark and keep your phone secure.
Getting Around
ONCF trains and CTM buses between major cities sell out during Eid and national holidays. Book train tickets at oncf.ma or at stations 3-5 days early. During Mawazine, Rabat Tram runs extended hours. For rural festivals like the Rose Festival, rent a car or arrange a private transfer from the nearest city (Ouarzazate, 90 km from Kalaat M'Gouna).
Budget Planning
Many major festivals are free (Mawazine outdoor stages, Timitar, Gnaoua main stages). Budget from 150 MAD/day for food during festivals. ATMs at festival venues often run out of cash on peak nights. Withdraw money earlier in the day. Street food stalls at festival perimeters offer tagine and brochettes from 30 MAD.
Photography & Etiquette
At music festivals, photography is generally welcome at outdoor stages. Religious events require more sensitivity: always ask before photographing people during Sufi ceremonies or mosque gatherings. During Eid al-Adha, avoid photographing the sacrifice unless explicitly invited. Respect is non-negotiable.
Food During Festivals
Festival food stalls range from 20 MAD for a sandwich marocain to 80 MAD for a full tagine plate. During Ramadan, street food vendors set up massive iftar spreads after sunset: harira soup (from 10 MAD), chebakia pastries, dates, and fresh juices. Outside Ramadan, look for vendors grilling merguez sausages and lamb brochettes near concert stages.
Which Festival Season Is Right for You?
Each season in Morocco carries a different festival character. Here is a quick guide to help you decide when to visit based on your interests.
Spring (March - May): Harvest Celebrations & Eid
Spring brings the Rose Festival in Kalaat M'Gouna (May), Eid al-Fitr (March), and Eid al-Adha (late May in 2026). The weather is ideal for outdoor events: warm days without the punishing summer heat. The Marathon des Sables crosses the Sahara in April. This is the best season for combining cultural festivals with comfortable sightseeing weather. Expect hotel prices to rise during Eid weeks.
Summer (June - August): Music Festival Season
June and July form Morocco's music festival peak. Mawazine dominates Rabat in June, followed immediately by Gnaoua in Essaouira and the Fes Festival of Sacred Music. July brings Jazzablanca to Casablanca and Timitar to Agadir. Inland cities like Marrakech and Fes hit 40-45C in July-August, but coastal festival cities (Essaouira, Agadir, Casablanca) stay cooler. This is the season for music lovers willing to handle the heat and the crowds.
Autumn (September - November): Film & Harvest
Autumn brings the Oasis Festival in Marrakech (September), the Date Festival in Erfoud and Cherry Festival in Sefrou (October), and the Marrakech International Film Festival (November). Temperatures cool to comfortable levels. This is the ideal season for travelers who want festivals without extreme heat or massive crowds. The Tafilalet oasis in October, when dates hang heavy from every palm, is a memorable experience.
Winter (December - February): Quieter & Spiritual
Winter is the quietest festival season. Amazigh New Year (January 13) is a meaningful cultural event. The Almond Blossom Festival brightens Tafraout in February. Ramadan (starting mid-February in 2026) offers a profound immersion into Moroccan spiritual life: evening iftar meals, pre-dawn suhoor, and the electric atmosphere of cities waking up after sunset. Fewer tourists mean lower prices and more personal interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest music festivals in Morocco?
Mawazine Rhythms of the World in Rabat is the largest, drawing over 2.5 million attendees across six days in June. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira attracts 500,000+ visitors for its fusion of trance and jazz. Jazzablanca in Casablanca, Timitar in Agadir, and the Oasis Festival in Marrakech round out the top five. Mawazine and Timitar are free; Jazzablanca and Oasis require tickets.
When is Ramadan in Morocco in 2026?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around February 17 and end around March 18, with Eid al-Fitr celebrations on approximately March 19-20. Dates depend on the official sighting of the crescent moon and are confirmed by the Moroccan Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs 1-2 days beforehand. During Ramadan, most restaurants close during daylight hours, though tourist-oriented establishments in Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca maintain limited service.
Are Morocco festivals free to attend?
Many are. Mawazine's massive outdoor stages are free. The entire Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira is free on the open-air stages. Timitar in Agadir is completely free. Cultural festivals like the Rose Festival, Date Festival, and Cherry Festival charge no entry fee. Ticketed events include Jazzablanca (day passes from 350 MAD), Oasis Festival (weekend passes from 1,800 MAD), and indoor concerts at Mawazine (from 200 MAD).
Should I book hotels early for Morocco festival dates?
Absolutely. During Gnaoua, Essaouira's riads and hotels book out entirely weeks in advance. Rabat accommodation doubles in price during Mawazine. The Marrakech Film Festival pushes luxury riad rates up 100-200%. For Eid holidays, domestic travel surges and inter-city transport fills up fast. Book 2-3 months ahead for major events, or consider staying in a nearby city with good transport links.
What should I wear to festivals in Morocco?
At music festivals in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, casual clothing is fine. Light layers handle the temperature swings between hot days and cooler nights. For religious events and cultural festivals in smaller towns (Moulay Idriss, Sefrou, Kalaat M'Gouna), dress more conservatively: cover shoulders and knees. Comfortable closed-toe shoes help on uneven ground. Always bring a hat and sunscreen for daytime outdoor events from May through September.
Is it safe to attend large festivals in Morocco?
Yes. Morocco allocates significant security resources to major events. Mawazine and the Marrakech Film Festival have visible police and military presence, metal detectors, and bag checks. The primary concern is petty crime: keep phones in front pockets, use a cross-body bag, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry in dense crowds. Stick to main routes after dark. Emergency services are present on-site at all large events.
Can I travel between cities during Moroccan festivals?
Yes, but book transport early. ONCF trains between Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, and Tangier sell out 3-5 days before Eid holidays. The Al Boraq high-speed line (Casablanca-Tangier) is particularly popular. CTM and Supratours buses are alternatives but also fill up. Domestic Royal Air Maroc flights spike in price around Eid. Renting a car gives flexibility but expect heavier highway traffic. Grand taxis between smaller cities remain available but charge more during holiday periods.
Continue Exploring Morocco
Best Time to Visit Morocco
Month-by-month weather breakdown, peak and shoulder seasons, and the ideal timing for every type of Moroccan trip.
Read moreBudget Travel Guide
How to experience Morocco on a budget, from from 200 MAD/night hostels to street food strategies and free attractions.
Read moreMorocco Transport Guide
Trains, buses, grand taxis, and domestic flights. How to get between cities and navigate Moroccan public transport like a local.
Read morePlan Your Trip Around Morocco's Festivals
From the Gnaoua trance rhythms echoing off Essaouira's ramparts to the rose-draped floats in the Dades Valley, Morocco's festivals offer experiences you cannot find anywhere else. Start planning today.