Morocco Festivals and Holidays: A Month-by-Month Calendar for Travellers
Morocco's best-known festivals for travellers are the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira (usually June), the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (spring or early summer), the Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna (May), the Imilchil Marriage Festival in the High Atlas (late summer) and the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (summer). Religious holidays such as Ramadan and the two Eids follow the lunar calendar, so their dates change every year.
Festival calendar (approximate)
| When | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January (13th) | Yennayer, Amazigh New Year (public holiday) | Nationwide, especially Amazigh regions |
| February–March | Almond blossom festival (when held) | Tafraoute, Anti-Atlas |
| May | Rose Festival | Kelaat M'Gouna, Dades Valley |
| Spring / early summer | Festival of World Sacred Music | Fes |
| June | Gnaoua World Music Festival | Essaouira |
| June | Mawazine | Rabat |
| Summer | Popular Arts Festival | Marrakech |
| Late August–September | Imilchil Marriage Festival (moussem) | Imilchil, High Atlas |
| Autumn | Date Festival | Erfoud |
Dates vary from year to year and some events are occasionally cancelled; always check official announcements before booking.
Highlights
Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira
Gnawa masters play with jazz, blues and world musicians on free stages around the ramparts. The city is crowded, so book accommodation early or visit on the Essaouira day trip. Read things to do in Essaouira.
Rose Festival, Kelaat M'Gouna
A celebration of the Damask rose harvest with parades, music and a rose queen. Kelaat M'Gouna lies on the route of our 3-day Sahara tour; see the Dades Valley guide.
Imilchil Marriage Festival
A traditional moussem and market in the High Atlas where Ait Haddidou families gather; legend links it to two lakes and star-crossed lovers.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Spiritual music from around the world in the setting of Fes's palaces and gardens.
Religious holidays
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: see travelling during Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha: the Feast of the Sacrifice, a major family holiday with many closures.
- Mawlid: the Prophet's birthday.
Fixed national holidays include Throne Day (30 July) and Green March Day (6 November). For Amazigh traditions, read Amazigh culture in Morocco. Official festival news is published by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Essaouira Day Trip to the Atlantic Coast — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Merzouga with Camel Trek — from €145 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Gnawa Music in Morocco: Origins, Instruments and Where to Hear It
- Travelling in Morocco During Ramadan: What Changes and How to Enjoy It
- Amazigh (Berber) Culture in Morocco: Language, Traditions and Where to Experience It
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous festival in Morocco?
The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira and the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music are the best known internationally.
When is the rose festival in Morocco?
Usually in May in Kelaat M'Gouna, at the end of the rose harvest. Check the exact dates each year.
Do festivals affect travel in Morocco?
Big festivals fill hotels in the host city, and religious holidays such as Eid close many businesses and make transport busier. Book ahead.
Is Yennayer a public holiday in Morocco?
Yes. The Amazigh New Year on 13 January became an official public holiday in 2024.
Main photo: Anderson sady, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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