The Culture Of Morocco
For the traveler, Moroccan festivals are a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and the character of the Moroccans themselves, as at these events the people express themselves naturally and proudly, claiming their roots. Some of these festivals have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, testifying to their richness and uniqueness. Many others have not received this honor, but their origins are lost in the memory of time, testifying to their strong roots in society. Others, by contrast, have been around for fewer years, but are organized to preserve and promote the country’s cultural diversity.
On this page, we talk about all of them, giving fixed or approximate dates of celebration, so you can consider whether to attend one of these Moroccan festivals during your trip to the country. Although most of these festivals are attended mostly by locals, they are also open to foreign tourists, who contribute greatly to their preservation and bring economic income to those who participate in them.
What is moussem (and what is not moussem)?
Many holidays in Morocco are called moussem. This is the name given to traditional festivals in the Maghreb countries that are organized to honor something meaningful to the local community. The most common ones are held in honor of:
A charismatic figure from the past. This is what is known as a “saint,” as opposed to the concept of a “saint” in the Christian religion. It should be remembered that Islam does not recognize the worship of men, so it forbids the depiction of human figures in religious art, since it does not recognize mediation between Allah and men and certainly does not recognize any other divinity than the divinity of the one God. However, some men are considered patrons, sages, or protectors of the population, not without some degree of superstition, and are therefore the object of popular veneration. The tombs of these men are often located in marabouts, small domed buildings usually located in the middle of nature. In these cases, the central event of these native Moroccan festivals is a kind of pilgrimage or wandering to these sacred structures.
An agricultural and/or commercial event related to the cycle of the seasons. In regions and localities where the cultivation of a natural product is important, such festivals are often organized to celebrate the harvest. In these cases, the respective dish or product is the centerpiece of the entire festival, where, among other things, a market is organized to sell it, art exhibitions inspired by it, or demonstration workshops on its preparation. It can be fruit, flowers or products derived from nature. Other local folkloric activities, especially music and dance, may also be included in the program of such mousses, even if they are not strictly related to the product in question.
Folk societal traditions are associated with a particular date or time of year. This type of Moroccan celebration is more common in rural areas where ancestral traditions have been preserved, such as in the Atlas Mountains.
It should be noted that not all Moroccan festivals can be considered museum: the term refers to festivals dedicated to a particular date. On the other hand, there are other “newfangled” festivals organized around some artistic expression, such as music or crafts, which are mentioned below.
Mussems may be declared public holidays in the region where they are held. In any case, there are other national holidays in the country, which we discuss on this page, where we also discuss the configuration of the Moroccan calendar, which is Muslim.
Types of festivals in Morocco
Regardless of whether or not they correspond to the notion of mousem, Moroccan festivals can be divided into three types, depending on the nature of the celebration: folk, religious or artistic-cultural. Here we will look at them one by one and list the most famous examples.
Popular Moroccan festivals.
In this case, we are talking about musems, because what motivates the people who organize them is the celebration of something important to society. They can be found all over Morocco, from north to south, east to west, from the mountains to the coast, passing through the desert and the most fertile valleys.
Moussem from Tan-Tan, in Helmim-Rio-Nun.
This moussem is undoubtedly one of Morocco’s most interesting festivals from a folkloric point of view. Proof of this is its inclusion in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originally, this event was organized informally for the desert tribes to strengthen relationships, marriages or food exchanges.
Today, it takes place in August in a large open area in the village of Tan-Tan in the Helmim-Rio-Nun region, about 25 km from the Atlantic coast, more than 300 km south of Agadir. The highlight of the festival are the equestrian demonstrations of the desert tribes, which include rifle shooting in the air. There is also a flea market with local produce, performances by folk musicians, and many other activities over several days. Learn more in this blog article.
Moussem of the Roses, in Quelaa de M’Gouna
Quelaa M’Gouna is located in what is known as the Valley of the Roses, just south of the Atlas Mountains. And as the name implies, this flower is one of the most characteristic elements of this area, which not only grows naturally, but is also cultivated for its commercial potential, especially in the world of cosmetics. For this reason, at the time of year when it is harvested (early May), a popular festival has been organized for decades, soon after this flower was introduced by the French in 1938.
About 4,000 tons of roses, specifically damask roses, are harvested each year, a testament to the distinctive color and fragrance that permeates this town of about 15,000 people. In this atmosphere, there are folk music concerts, local food tastings, sales of rose-based beauty products, and even a float parade. In this blog, we’ll tell you more about this Moroccan festival.
Cherry Mousse in Sefrou.
This festival is dedicated to the cherry, the fruit of the cherry tree that grows in abundance in the region of Sefrou, in the Fes-Meknes region. Like the Tan Tan mussem, it is also an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The festivities take place over several days in June, and the program includes interesting events such as a procession of theater troupes to the sound of brass bands, sports competitions and markets of typical products. Not to be missed is the election of the Cherry Queen, the most beautiful girl of the festival, who then participates in a parade dressed with cherries.
The Erfoud’s date mousse.
Dates, the fruit of the date palm, are a very important foodstuff for the local economy, as well as the star of this great Moroccan festival. It should not be forgotten that the country is part of a site listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the title “Knowledge, methods, traditions and practices related to the cultivation and exploitation of the date palm”. It shares this honor with other Arab countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.
Date lovers have a great opportunity to taste dates in October at the Date Moussem Fair in Erfoud, a town at the end of the Ziz Valley, which is very rich in date palms. Actually, date picking is an event that is part of the moussem that brings family and friends together. There is no shortage of musical performances or the sale of different varieties of dates from street stalls such as Bouzekri, Boufegous, Majhoul and Bouslikhan.
Almond trees Mussem des, in Tafroute.
This festival is one of the most recent in the country and began in 2010. In this case, its purpose was to support local agriculture and attract tourism to this region of Souss-Massa, located south of Agadir. Although it is an arid region, there are almond groves from which this nut, so widely used in Moroccan cuisine, is harvested. It is held in March, when the almonds are harvested, but we recommend that you check in advance to see if it will take place this year, as some events have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Honeymooners in Imouzer des Ida-Outane
For many, this is the “sweetest” of all Moroccan festivals, because the protagonist is honey. It is celebrated in Imouzer, in the province of Agadir Ida-Outane in the Souss-Massa region. Its surroundings are often referred to as the valley of paradise for the variety of plants and trees, including argan, palm, and olive trees, watered by streams that even form waterfalls and puddles. And that’s why beekeeping is a deeply rooted occupation here.
The festival period can cover a wide range, depending on the year, usually from May to August, which is when most festivals are held in Morocco. During moussem, there’s a big market of beekeepers and merchants selling not only pre-packaged honey but also all sorts of sweets and other gourmet delicacies made from the product. And, of course, there are artistic events and concerts to delight all who attend. And there’s another offer: trips to beehives in the heart of nature, traditionally created and maintained.
Bride and groom mousse in Imilcile.
This mousse is not based on any natural product, but on a very special ancient tradition – the choice of the partner. To understand it, we have to go back in time and put ourselves in the shoes of the nomadic tribes of the Atlas, in particular the Ait Haddidu tribe, whose way of life made it difficult to find a partner.
So it was decided to create a festival where young men and women could meet, get to know each other, like each other and even get married. In fact, this was the time when marriage certificates were signed, a kind of one-year trial contract to see if the two people would form a well-matched marriage. However, the growing number of tourists has led to the decline of this tradition, which used to take place in plain sight. Nowadays, it is hard to find women and men with this intention, who used to wear the best outfits, especially women, often dressed in different outfits depending on their status: first-time bride, divorcee or a bride-to-be.
For this reason, the festival is now called the Musem of the Mountains, although popularly it is still known as Musem Imilchil or the Musem of the Bride and Bridegroom. In any case, it is now a full-fledged festival, where, like other Moroccan festivals, a large flea market is held, in this case to sell typical products made by the Berber tribes (handicrafts, cattle, clothing, etc.), as well as to taste grilled meat, Atlassian pastries and more. You also have time to visit the marabout of Sidi Ahmed Ulmgani and experience the festive atmosphere that reigns in this small village during the Mussem celebrations in August and September.
Religious Festivals in Morocco
As we reported in our Religion and Society page, everyday life in Morocco is colored by Islam. For this reason, many of Morocco’s holidays have a religious character, some common to other Muslim countries, while others are truly unique to the region. Here are a few of the most important of these.
Moussem Moulay Idrissa I Festival in Meknes
Moussem Moulay Idrissa, located 30 km from Meknes, is arguably the most soulful of the religious moussem and one of the most popular festivals in Morocco. held in late August, the festival centers around the head of Morocco’s first Arab dynasty, the It is a pilgrimage where believers visit the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I El Akbar (also known as Moulay Idriss Zarhoun). He was the grandson of Mohammed, who fled Baghdad in 786 and arrived here, deeply promoting the Islamization of the Berbers.
His Marabou and surrounding villages are very beautiful, with white walls and green tile roofs on top of the mountains. Although only believers participate in religious ceremonies, it is worth a visit to the Moulay Idriss Museum to experience the festive and pious atmosphere that pervades the village, including horse races, dance performances, and the sale of local produce.
Moulay Idriss II Museum (Fez)
This moussem is held in September in honor of Moulay Idriss II, the legitimate son of Moulay Idriss I and considered the founder of Fez. It centers on a pilgrimage by believers to the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II in the Marche Vert square in the city of Fez, and shares the same popularity as previous Moussem celebrations.
It is the central festival of Fez and one of the largest religious festivals in Morocco. On the day of the festival, every expense is spared, including collections and offerings. The procession of Moulay Idriss II is a beautiful spectacle and a show of skill by the embroiderers. Every year the guild makes silk and gold dresses for this dignitary. Other artisans also participate, presenting a more spectacular array of gifts.
Moulay Abdellah Amgar’s museum in El Jadid.
This museum is another of Morocco’s major religious festivals, and one of its longest, as it lasts more than a week; it takes place in August in this city on the Atlantic coast, which is where the ascetic Moulay Abdellah Amgar came from Medina. The main activities are religious, such as group recitations of the Koran and Koran memorization competitions. However, there are also incidental activities such as falconry and performances by local bands.
Eid al-Fitr (Celebration of the end of the fasting period)
Ramadan is not a fundamental Islamic tradition, but it is not considered a festive period in itself. On the contrary, it is a period of daily fasting and prudence. However, the Eid al-Fitr (Feast of the End of the Fast) at its end is usually a private celebration planned within the family, but in some places public events of various kinds may be planned.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Lamb)
It falls 70 days after Ramadan and is a major holiday in Morocco, shared with other Muslim countries. Like the holiday of fasting, it is primarily a family holiday, as it recalls the sacrifice of Abraham as recorded in the Koran and the slaughter of a lamb. In this case, the main family (sometimes the butcher) slaughters the animal according to Halal regulations and then heads to Mecca to wait for it to bleed completely. Later that day, the liver is cooked (the meat is still too tough to eat) and the majority of the animal is usually donated to the poor.
Moroccan Cultural Festivals
The following Moroccan festivals are of particular interest to travelers and feature many cultural performances and events. So, if you are in Morocco on these dates, don’t be lazy and buy a ticket to attend
Agadir Folk Music Festival
This festival is ideal for getting to know all the country’s musical genres in a single event: we describe the most important ones on this page, but the styles and ramifications are many, so listening to and experiencing their richness on the spot will not leave you indifferent. Usually, a large enclosure with tents is set up on the seashore and groups such as Ahwash from the mountains, Rways, known as the wandering poets from Sousse, Lâabate with their rhythms and lyrics from Taroudant, Gnawa with their percussion and clothes from sub-Saharan Africa, will take the stage…. and long etc. It usually takes place in July.
Marrakech Folk Arts Festival
Among the many festivities in Morocco, this festival is another not-to-be-missed date to discover the country’s folklore. The difference with the Agadir festival is that this one, also known simply as the Marrakech Festival, includes other cultural events such as dance. It is a landmark in the country as it has the honour of being the oldest: its first edition took place in 1959. It usually takes place in June.
Essaouira Gnawa Music Festival
Despite the fact that groups from other regions of Morocco and even other countries are invited to participate, this festival is dedicated to Gnawa music, which, incidentally, has been declared by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. During the festival days, the streets of this Atlantic city are filled with the colours and percussive rhythms of black Africa. Its celebration date is usually in June, and its epicentre is the large Moulay El Hassan square. In addition, in recent years, the festival has ‘moved’ to other cities, such as Rabat, Marrakech and Casablanca.
Fez sacred music festival
This is another of Morocco’s many music festivals. In this case, however, only sacred music is selected, given Fez’s deep-rooted religious sentiments. And not only in Fez, but also in the rest of the world. Its first edition dates back to 1994 and since then it has acquired great international prestige. Senegal, France, Italy and India are some of the countries of origin of artists who base their songs on different religions. And this contributes to the festival’s real purpose: promoting genuine interfaith dialogue. The festival usually takes place in May and June.
Tanjazz, Tangier’s jazz festival Moroccan : folk festivals
In recent years, jazz festivals have been held in various cities to highlight the common aspects of this musical genre with the syncopated rhythms of the Maghreb. One example was the Oudayas jazz festival in Rabat. Now Tanjazz, held in Tangier, has taken up the baton, to great acclaim, and with a line-up that brings together artists from all over the world. The festival usually takes place in September, in the beautiful and evocative Palais des Institutions Italiennes.
Rai music festival in Oujda
Like the Gnawa Music Festival in Essaouira, this festival is dedicated to a specific local musical genre: rai, also known as “Maghrebian blues” for its jubilant lyrics. It is a genre closely linked to neighbouring Algeria, which is why the city of Oujda, located very close to the border, was chosen for this festival. Over several days, its stages host the best artists and bands of this genre, who are real celebrities in Morocco and Algeria. The first edition took place in 2007. It takes place in August.
Marrakech International Film Festival
Cinematography is also the central focus of a major festival in Morocco: The Marrakech International Film Festival, the most important in the whole of Africa, which, thanks to its prestige, can be compared to other renowned festivals such as Cannes, San Sebastian, or Venice. It takes place in November and is a good opportunity to enjoy the seventh art, as screenings, events with film personalities and even themed visits are organized in the city. Read More About Marrakech.
Festival of Culture in Asilah
Without a doubt, this festival is one of the most colorful festivals in Morocco: its main theme is mural painting and it brings together local and international visual artists to capture their compositions on the walls of this city on the Atlantic coast. This attracts many visitors, who turn Asilah into a veritable cultural hotbed in August. In addition, there are conferences and meetings with philosophers and writers, as well as concerts and plays, among other events, which further broaden the appeal of the festival.
Holidays in Morocco by date and geographical area
On this page, we have listed many Moroccan festivals, grouped according to their character. But it will be useful to see them also ordered by date of celebration and geographical area. In this way, you will be able to better understand if any of these festivals coincide with your trip. Our Morocco tours
Moroccan festivals, by date of celebration.
- Dates vary, according to the Muslim calendar:
- Eid al-Fitr or Feast of the End of the Fast
- Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sheep
March
- Moussem of the Almonds, in Tafraout.
May
- Moussem of Roses, at Kelaa M’Gouna.
- Honey Moussem, in Imouzzer des Ida-Outanane (dates change).
- World Sacred Music Festival, in Fez.
June.
- Cherry Moussem, in Sefrou.
- Moussem Honey, at Imouzzer des Ida-Outanane (dates change)
- Popular Arts Festival, in Marrakech.
- Gnawa Music Festival, in Essaouira.
- World Sacred Music Festival, in Fez.
July
- Honey Moussem, in Imouzzer des Ida-Outanane (dates change)
- Popular Music Festival, in Agadir
August
- Tan Tan Mousse.
- Honey Moussem, at Imouzzer des Ida-Outanane (dates change).
- Bridal Moussem, in Imilchil.
- Moussem of Moulay Idriss I, in Meknes.
- The mousses of Moulay Abdellah Amghar, in the El Jadida region.
- Rai Music Festival, in Oujda.
- Festival of Cultures, in Asila.
September:
- Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, in Fez.
- Tanjazz, Jazz Festival, in Tangier.
October:
- Moussem Date, in Erfoud.
November:
- International Film Festival, in Marrakech.
Moroccan festivals, by geographic region.
- Throughout the country:
- Eid al-Fitr or Feast of the End of the Fast.
- Eid al-Adha or Feast of Sheep
North
- Cherry Moussem, in Sefrou
- Tanjazz, Jazz Festival, in Tangier
- Rai Music Festival in Oujda
Imperial Cities:
- Moussem of Moulay Idriss I, in Meknes
- Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, in Fez
- World Sacred Music Festival, in Fez
- Popular Arts Festival, in Marrakech
- International Film Festival, in Marrakech
Atlantic coast:
- El Jadida moussem of Moulay Abdellah Amghar
- Popular Music Festival, in Agadir
- Gnawa Music Festival, in Essaouira
- Festival of Cultures, in Asilah
Atlas:
- The moussem of the bride and groom, in Imilchil
Southern Sahara Desert:
- Tan Tan Mousse
- Rose Festival, in Kelaa M’Gouna
- Date Moussem, in Erfoud
- Almond Moussem, in Tafraout
- Honey Moussem, in Imouzzer des Ida-Outanane
As you can see, the celebrations in Morocco are many and varied and spread across all regions of the country. If any of them coincide with your trip and you’d like to know about them in person, contact us. We can integrate these experiences into your package, as we are an agency specialized in designing tailor-made programs: we will arrange transport to the venue, we will book tickets if necessary, and we will solve any other related aspects.