#Gnaoua and World Music Festival Morocco

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Top 10 Best African Festivals to Attend

African festivals are some of the best in the world. There are many festivals that take place in Africa, each with its own unique traditions, culture, and history. Attending these festivals is a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience the vibrant, colorful, and lively atmosphere of the continent. Here are the top 10 African festivals that you should definitely consider…

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Medina of Essaouira

Hello, fellow travelers! Today, let’s take a stroll through the medina of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most atmospheric and beautifully preserved cities. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, this coastal town is a must-visit for anyone seeking a mix of history, culture, and seaside charm. Known for its distinctive blue and white buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant arts scene, Essaouira is a place where the sound of the Atlantic waves meets the heartbeat of a centuries-old city.

The medina of Essaouira was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its unique cultural, architectural, and historical significance. It stands out as one of the best-preserved examples of a European-style fortified town in North Africa, seamlessly blending European military architecture with traditional Moroccan design. This blend is what makes Essaouira so special—it's a living city that has managed to maintain its heritage while embracing modern life.

Originally known as Mogador, Essaouira has a long history as a strategic trading port. It’s located along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, and since the 18th century, it’s been a bustling center of commerce between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The city was designed by European engineers, and you can still see this influence in the grid-like layout of the medina—quite unusual for a traditional Moroccan city. The town’s mighty fortifications, which line the sea, reflect its importance as a military and trading outpost.

Essaouira’s medina is unique among Morocco’s walled cities. Its location by the ocean brings in the refreshing alizé winds, and the town’s blend of cultures—Berber, Arab, African, and European—is reflected in its architecture, markets, and arts. As you wander through the medina, you’ll pass by whitewashed houses with blue shutters, bustling souks, and charming little cafes, each one offering a slice of local life. The Portuguese, French, and Moroccan influences give the town a special flavor that feels both cosmopolitan and authentically Moroccan.

The Skala de la Ville, the city’s fortifications, offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. These ramparts were built by the Portuguese and later strengthened under Moroccan rule. Stroll along the walls, where you’ll see bronze cannons pointing toward the horizon, and take in the panoramic views of the sea, the town, and the islands just offshore. The Skala has been immortalized in films like "Game of Thrones" and "Othello", and it’s easy to see why—this blend of history and nature makes for an unforgettable experience.

Essaouira is not just about history—it’s also a town bursting with creativity. For decades, it has been a haven for artists, musicians, and writers, drawn to its relaxed vibe and bohemian spirit. You’ll find countless galleries and shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork, much of which draws on the town’s rich cultural mix. And if you’re a fan of music, you’ll love the city’s Gnaoua World Music Festival, which brings together musicians from around the world to celebrate the town’s musical traditions each summer.

One of the most striking things about the medina of Essaouira is how it represents a fusion of cultural influences. Its history as a port city brought together traders from all over the world, and this mix of cultures is still visible today. The city’s Jewish quarter, or Mellah, is a reminder of the once-thriving Jewish community that lived here. The architecture, markets, and people all reflect this rich cultural tapestry, making Essaouira a true crossroads of civilization.

Unlike the more bustling medinas of Marrakesh or Fes, Essaouira’s medina has a laid-back vibe that feels almost serene. The narrow, winding streets are perfect for wandering, discovering hidden corners, and getting lost among the colorful market stalls. Whether you’re browsing the local crafts, sipping mint tea in a sun-drenched square, or watching fishermen haul in their daily catch at the port, there’s a calm energy to Essaouira that makes it an ideal spot for unwinding.

If you’re into water sports, Essaouira is famous for its consistent winds, making it one of the top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Morocco. The windswept beaches offer a perfect balance of natural beauty and adventure. Even if you’re not a water sports enthusiast, the sight of colorful sails dotting the horizon as the sun sets over the Atlantic is a memory you’ll carry with you long after you leave.

Essaouira is more than just a historic town—it's a place where past and present, tradition and creativity, all come together. Whether you're drawn to its rich history, artistic energy, or simply want to soak up the coastal charm, the medina of Essaouira is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to experience Morocco at its most magical.🌍💙🇲🇦

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Gnaoua Festival Attracts Visitors from around the World to Morocco’s Essaouira Rabat – Taking place in Essaouira, Morocco, from June 21st to the 23rd, the Gnaoua festival brought musicians from across the globe.

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A little more than 3.50 hours drive by car from Marrakech is the coastal city of  Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador. Surrounded by seawalls and city walls, designed by a French architect in the 18th century, a harbor with fish market, and a long beach with numerous water sports opportunities. Once a hippie hangout, Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens spent some time here. Orson Welles filmed part of his Othello “The Moor of Venice” in town. The city is also a designated UNESCO world heritage site. it’s a hip laid back town.

Essaouira is also renowned for its kitesurfing and  wind surfing , the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost wave less, bay. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis. Located 25 km south of Essaouira The township of Sidi Kaouki is becoming one of the best locations in Morocco for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.There are several businesses which offer gear rental.

It goes without saying that the seafood is amazing , and you have a big choice of restaurant.Lots of wonderful restaurant.

I know ! those two look totally innocent but don’t be fooled  ,don’t go and stand by the docks,where the boats arriving with their catch, are welcomed by a massive amount of seagulls. These seagulls, hundreds of them just fly like dive bombers for scraps and I don’t have to tell you ” duck for the droppings” . It’s still worth seeing.

    Essaouira at night

This is a beautiful resort city, really worth visiting after Marrakech.. The best way to go is with the bus  Supratours   from Marrakech for approximately  130 dirham. The buses are very modern and comfortable and they do make a pit stop for some tea and PP.

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If you are a big fan of music , do not miss the Gnaoua Festival this year on the 21st to the 24th of June. The Gnaoua Festival is an eclectic music, arts and culture festival in the Moroccan port city .Deeply rooted in North African styles, sounds and traditions, the festival is a vibrant and immersive experience, filling the city’s streets, squares, docks and performance venues with a fantastic extravaganza of sound and color.

Beyond traditional local rhythms to include contemporary funk, blues, jazz and soul both from Africa and from further afield, transforming Essaouira into a musical, artistic and cultural hub over the course of four days.

Essaouira is also a center of argan oil production. It has become a tourist attraction due to the tree-climbing goats who are unique to the region, as argan trees are the only type the goats climb. They call them the flying goats.

The carving of Thuya wood  (using the Tetraclinis tree) has been practiced for centuries in Essaouira. This wood is very rare and very fragrant , a bit like cedar. It’s expensive but you can pick up a small PC for a reasonable price. Makes a fabulous fragrant souvenir.

Essaouira has so much to offer , you will have to discover it for yourself. Go ! Go! Go!

      Essaouira, Morocco. a beautiful coastal city. A little more than 3.50 hours drive by car from Marrakech is the coastal city of  Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador.

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Colors of Morocco + Spain

I had always heard great things about Morocco, so when I had the chance to get a flight there in exchange for doing some work for a student travel company this summer, I signed up right away. 

Marrakech was unlike anywhere I’d been—such sensory overload and contrasts between the calm of the tranquil and beautiful riads...and then the noise and heat and exhaust the minute you step outside into the tiny walled streets of the medina. Being in Morocco during the end of Ramadan was such a different experience too: listening to the evening call to prayer on the city’s rooftops, I felt transported to a world I’d never been to.

Traffic jam in the marketplace 

If you're planning to visit Marrakech, I stayed at Riad Maiya and really liked it—I also met the caretaker for a nearby riad called Dar Akal and hung out there; it was beautifully luxurious, and not even that much more expensive (I want to stay there if I go back!). Both were tucked away from the main medina, in a neighborhood where kids played soccer in the streets outside. I had heard that Western women traveling in Morocco often get a lot of unwanted male attention on the street, and that was true—men calling out to you while while walking around, aggressively trying to give you directions, or telling you not to walk a certain way or that the streets were closed, which they weren't (and occasionally then yelling at you for not paying them enough for the directions or not wanting to continue talking). It wasn't my favorite part of the trip and got pretty frustrating, but the positive parts made it worth dealing with. There were also some lovely and friendly people I met along the way—mostly men, it seemed like you'd have to be more intentional to interact with Moroccan women. Though, I had this great teacher at an Arabic class I took, and she brought me on a ride on her motorbike! And while I was a little nervous about it beforehand, I found it fine to travel without speaking Arabic or French—you just had to gesture a lot and be OK with that.

Here are a few Marrakech highlights:

-- Visiting Hassan Hajjaj’s riad/store, an incredible Moroccan pop artist I came across a few years ago

-- Wandering through Yves Saint Laurent's beautiful Jardin Majorelle and Berber museum on the garden grounds (garden below). 

Jardin Majorelle 

-- Going to the lovely Hammam de La Rose

-- Visiting the photography museum

-- Visititing the synagogue in the Mellah, and buying spices near there

-- Taking an Arabic class at Study Arabic in Marrakech (plus motorbike ride :) 

-- Getting organic Argan and other oils at Trace Naturom -- Going on a day trip to Ourika Valley, via a series of collective taxis that mostly Moroccans/non-tourists use, to the Berber EcoMuseum, on a mini hike, and to a saffron garden. 

-- My favorite meal in Marrakech was olives and flatbread from street vendors by where I stayed—they cost about 60 cents total. In general I was less into the restaurant meals there, though NOMAD was cool and with a good view, and in Morocco they make this amazing avocado juice, which is usually mixed with orange juice or milk, and that was delicious. 

Streets of Essaouira After Marrakech I went to Essaouira, a seaside town a few hours away that's a big hub for water sports (very windy!) and is said to have inspired one of Jimi Hendrix's songs. I visited right before their annual international Gnaoua music festival, so there was some music in the streets and many people coming into town. I went to another awesome Hammam (Azur Spa, where I got one of the best massages I've ever had), had a tasty veggie dinner at Triskala, bought way too many pairs of the Raffia shoes they make in Essaouira, and stayed at Darnur, a cozy little riad run by this great Spanish couple. One of the reasons I love traveling is because of experiences like the one I had here, meeting kindred spirits like the pair at Darnur; we drank red wine and ate olives into the night, talking politics from Trump to the protests happening in the Rif region of Morocco (more on that here in The Nation). They have this beautiful deck high up above the city, where you can read a book in a hammock and drink mint tea. 

The one other Moroccan city I visited was Casablanca—I was less into it than Marrakech and Essaouira, but it was lovely to walk by the water in tide pools during the evening call to prayer with the mosque in the background. The mosque is impressive and pretty new, though built in a more traditional style, and the minaret is the tallest in the world.

After Morocco I went to Cadiz in Spain for a few days and stayed with friends from Chicago, Madrileños who go back to Spain for a month each year. A great place, and so, so different from Morocco, though so close geographically. In Morocco, no one was drinking alcohol, people were fasting for Ramadan (and no pork), they prayed a lot, and were covered up. In Spain, you’re immediately offered all the wine and jamón, and on the beach the women are topless. Different worlds, both incredible places. 

The beach in Cadiz

Seaside hangs in Cadiz, with Jose, Isa, Maria, Louise, and kids

Drank so many Tinto de Veranos in Spain (red wine with lemon soda)

[musicdish]

Amsterdam Dance Event Announces Spotlight On Morocco And Hello DeLaMar, ADE Changes Venue

The 22nd edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) takes place October 18th-22nd in the Tolhuistuin, Brakke Grond and Melkweg venues with the Hello DeLaMar Theater taking centre stage. After 16 years in the Felix Meritis, the Amsterdam Dance Event, an initiative of Buma, will be moving to the Nieuwe DeLaMar Theater this year to allow major renovations to take place in its old venue. The Nieuwe DeLaMar is ideally situated next to the Leidseplein and De Melkweg and will also allow the event to bring previously separately-housed events such as ADE Dance & Brands under one roof. "Having been sold out for the last seven years, plus with more delegates coming from an ever greater number of countries, especially Korea, China, Africa, India and South America, the renovation of the Felix Meritis offers us an opportunity to try a different venue," ADE director Richard Zijlma, said. "We are excited and optimistic about the new conferencing and networking possibilities that the Nieuwe DeLaMar Theater offers, and we're confident that delegates will find it a spectacular and inspiring space." New ticketing system ADE has also introduced a new ticketing system this year that allows delegates to choose between day and night time activities with a 5-day Daytime-only pass now available. The classic 5 Days/Nights passes are also still on offer for delegates who want to embrace the vast range of business and entertainment possibilities that ADE offers each year. Spotlight on Morocco The 2017 panel program is coming together with Morocco under the spotlight in this year's ADE Global View. The North African country currently hosts 15 festivals each year including Atlas Electronic, Oasis, MOGA, Transahara and Beyond Sahara that are almost exclusively dedicated to electronic music, plus a range of large events featuring world music (Gnaoua), jazz (Jazzablanca) pop (Vertigo) and sacred music at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. This forward-looking and liberal-minded country also has a healthy club scene with venues specialising in house music (Tamasis), hip hop (555 Marrakech) and techno (Pacha Marrakech, Amnesia) thriving throughout the country. ADE's conference schedule will also feature We're Calling It Ethnotronic covering the growing electronic scenes in South America, Africa and parts of Asia where musicians are mixing local sounds with dance floor beats, Who's Stealing Our Best Songs?, looking at the land-grab by publishers as IP rights on classic sounds from the 80s expire. About ADE Since its inception in 1996, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has evolved into the leading business platform of the global electronic music scene. It is the place to be and spot the latest developments: from musical trends and upcoming talents to the most recent output of dance's pioneers and superstars. The Amsterdam Dance Event takes place from the 18th to 22nd of October, 2017. The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, an initiative of Buma. http://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl

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Discover magic sounds in Morocco with the Gnawa music festival

WORLD music and dance lovers longing to sway to some soulful rhythms under the summer stars should head to Morocco for its legendary Gnawa festival. from Daily Express :: Travel Feed http://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/777081/Gnawa-music-festival-Morocco-world-Gnaoua

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14 days imperial cities – desert tour and camel trekking

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat: Arrive at Casablanca

International airport. To start your tour in Casablanca, we’ll visit Hassan II Mosque, the biggest mosque outside Mecca and the Cornich coast before departing for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad.

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes:

After breakfast at your Riad, you’ll leave for the Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Kasbah before continuing to Fes via Meknes and Volubilis. In Meknes, another significant imperial city in Morocco, known as the Ismaili capital of Morocco, you will see the famous gate Bab Mansour, the Sahrij Souani Bassin, and the Mulay Ismail Mausoleum. After lunch, your journey continues to Volubilis, the Roman ruins, dating to 25BC where some of the original mosaics are very well preserved. After exploring the site we’ll continue to Fes via the foothills of the Rif Mountains arriving in the late afternoon checking in to your Riad at the heat of the Medina. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad.

Day 2: discovering Fes city:

After breakfast, you can wander the oldest city in Morocco, walking in its alleys and small streets. First stop is the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarter and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco in the 16th century. In Fes you’ll get to visit all the sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University – the oldest in the region, the Tanneries, the Attarine museum and Mulay Idriss mausoleum. After lunch, you’ll visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga:

After breakfast in your Riad, you’ll leave Fes travelling towards Merzouga via Midlet and the Ziz valley. Today you will travel via the village of Ifrane, a beautiful mountains village, referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco” where you’ll stop at a cedar forest on the middle Atlas Mountains. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains and stopping at Azrou, a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco –you may well see Barbary apes. The journey continues to Midelt along the magnificent hills and mountains of the Atlas, travelling through the fascinating Tiz Ntalghamt pass and the Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia, where you will have lunch and enjoy some Berber hospitality. Afterwards, you will travel along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way to Erfoud and Rissani, arriving at Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check in to your Riad. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad.

Day 5: Merzouga area and the Camel trek:

After breakfast in your Hotel, you’ll have time to explore the town before your camel trek and night at the desert camp. Today, you’ll visit the Gnaoua people, originally slaves brought from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle. Not far away there’s the lake of Merzouga, with its bird populations. You may also visit the nomad wire house where many Berber handicrafts are priced lower than in the big cities. The afternoon is scheduled for your camel trek, guided by an experienced camel man, you’ll explore the golden sand sea of Merzouga. Dinner is in front of the tent where you’ll spend the night.

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley:

Your camel guide will wake you up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. You’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. En-route you won’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the Riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge we’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight in  Hotel/Riad.

Day 7: Dades Gorge  – Skoura – Ait Ben-Haddou:

After breakfast in the hotel, you will travel through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. you will enjoy the fertile Rose valley and the rock formations along the way. We’ll stop at Kalaat M’gouna, “the rose city”, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over. Continuing on to Skoura , you’ll visit the Kasbah Ameridil, a well-preserved kasbah in this area followed by some light hiking in the valley and a stop for lunch at a restaurant, overlooking the whole valley. After lunch its on to Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa”, whose geography and beautiful landscapes has attracted many world class movie producers. Here you may choose to visit the studios, containing props used in movies, you may have already seen, such as The Mummy, Gladiator and the Last temptation of Christ. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad.

Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Imlil:

After breakfast in the Hotel (Ksar), you will travel to Asni and Imlil via the dramatic Tizi Ntichka Pass. Today you’ll stop at the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. The largest Kasbah in Morocco, was built by T-hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains, at the end of the 19th century to be one of his stops during his long trading routes to Timbuctu in Mali. Now the Kasbah houses many of the Glaoui family members. After a short visit to the Kasbah, your journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n’tichka Pass to Asni and Imlil villages at the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad.

Day 9: discvering Arumd Village and the Imlil Area:

After breakfast at the Kasbah, you’ll have a chance to explore the area and enjoy the Berber culture with the choice to hike for a few hours within the valley seeing the fascinating views over the highest peak in North Africa. You’ll also walk to the village of Arumd, a small Berber settlement with a proud culture. In the afternoon, you may like to stay at the Kasbah and admire breathtaking views over the Atlas Mountains. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad.

Day 10: Imlil – Tahnaout – Marrakech:

After Breakfast at the Kasbah, you will start travelling to Marrakech via the Berber village of Tahnaout and the fascinating gorge of Moulay Brahim. After several stops to take photographs, you’ll continue your journey to Marrakech and once here visit the Majorelle gardens before checking in to your Riad. After dinner you will enjoy walking within the famous square of Jemaa El fna, entertained with magicians, story tellers, musicians and snake charmers. Overnight in a Hotel/Riad. Bed and Breakfast.

Day 11: discovering Marrakech:

After breakfast in the Riad, you can start exploring Marrakech the red city of Morocco. We’ll ensure that you see the most important sites of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadian tombs, the Palace of El Bahia and the Ben Youssef Coranic School as well as the souks. Lunch is at a restaurant near the square before we’ll continue exploring the souks and Medina. Again in the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander by yourself. Overnight in our Hotel/Riad. BB.

Day 12: Essaouira Day Trip:

Breakfast is at your Riad, followed by a chance to start exploring the city. You’ll visit the Skala Fortress, the port, the souks and see Thuya wood carved by artisans, walking through the alleys of the medina and past the hundreds of handicrafts. Essaouira is known for its strong winds most of the year so it is known as the “City of the wind” thus it attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira has known many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with a big history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it’s also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantics. Your visit includes the Mellah – the Jewish headquarter as well as the wide expansive and sandy golden beach. There is also an annual festival of “Gnawa music”, where many musical groups come from different parts of Africa and the world held in late June. In the afternoon you’ll travel back to Marrakech and your overnight accommodation will be in our Hotel/Riad.

Day 13: Marrakech Free day:

Today you’ll have a free day on your own, to perhaps take a Hammam and spa, enjoying Marrakech by yourselves. Overnight will be in  a Hotel/Riad.

Day 14: Marrakech Departure:

After Breakfast in your Riad, you’ll be transferred to your chosen airport.

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In Pictures, the 1st Day of the Colorful Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira

In Pictures, the 1st Day of the Colorful Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira

Adnane Zemmama

Rabat – The Gnaoua festival has already worked its magic on Essaouira. The city of wind has vibrated on the sound of magical Gnaoua music coming from Moulay El Hassan Place for the first evening of the Gnaoua World Music Festival.

From June 21 until June 23, the 21st Gnaoua World Music Festival is a musical communion full of emotions, as much for the artists as for the public. This…

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Essaouira’s 21st Gnaoua Festival to Showcase African Women Artists

Essaouira’s 21st Gnaoua Festival to Showcase African Women Artists

Rabat – Each year, the beautiful city of Essaouira devotes its maze of streets, lovely beaches, and vibrant public squares to music for the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival.

This summer, from June 21-23 the beach town will celebrate the festival’s 21st anniversary.

“Since the birth of the festival, its unique character has given it a special place amongst cultural events, confirming to the…