Trip Planning
Morocco Festivals Calendar: Music, Roses, Dates and Film Through the Year
Published November 5, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: the biggest festivals in Morocco are the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira and the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (usually late spring or June), the Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna (May), the Imilchil marriage festival (late summer), the Erfoud date festival (autumn) and the Marrakech International Film Festival (late November or December). Dates change every year, so confirm on the official announcements before booking.
Festival calendar by month
| Usual period | Festival | Where | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Yennayer, Amazigh new year | Nationwide | Family meals, public holiday since 2024 |
| May | Rose Festival | Kelaat M'Gouna, Dades Valley | Rose harvest, parades, rosewater and music |
| May to June | Mawazine | Rabat | Large international pop and world music concerts |
| Late spring or June | Fes Festival of World Sacred Music | Fes | Spiritual music from around the world in historic venues |
| June | Gnaoua World Music Festival | Essaouira | Gnawa masters with jazz and world artists, free stages by the sea |
| July | Popular Arts Festival | Marrakech | Folk troupes, dancers and acrobats from across Morocco |
| Summer | Asilah Arts Festival | Asilah | Murals, exhibitions and concerts |
| Late August or September | Imilchil marriage festival | Middle Atlas | Amazigh tribal gathering, weddings, market |
| October | Date Festival | Erfoud | Date harvest celebration near the Sahara |
| Late November or December | International Film Festival | Marrakech | Screenings, open-air cinema on Jemaa el-Fnaa |
Religious celebrations follow the lunar calendar and move about 11 days earlier each year: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and the Prophet's birthday. Read travelling during Ramadan.
Festivals that fit a desert trip
- Rose Festival: Kelaat M'Gouna is on the road from Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley; see the Rose Valley.
- Erfoud Date Festival: on the way to Merzouga in October; see things to do in Merzouga.
- Gnaoua Festival: pair Essaouira with Marrakech; see the Essaouira guide.
Tips for festival travel
- Book riads and transport early: towns fill up during big festivals.
- Many concerts are free and crowded; keep valuables close.
- National holidays such as Throne Day (30 July) and Independence Day (18 November) bring parades and busy roads.
Tell us which festival you want to see and we build the route around it with our private tours. More on Amazigh traditions in our culture guide.
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, during the rose harvest in Kelaat M'Gouna in the Dades Valley. Exact dates are announced each year.
When is the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira?
It usually takes place in June. Check the official announcement for the year's dates.
Are there festivals near the Sahara?
Yes. The Erfoud Date Festival in October and the Rose Festival in May are both on the main desert routes.
Plan it with us: Morocco travel guide, Morocco itineraries and Morocco vacation packages.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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