Marrakech is filled with energy every night of the week. The main square, the Djemma el-Fna is a hive of activity with kebab shops, snake charmers, musicians and story-tellers. And it’s really not just for the tourists, villagers from surrounding areas enjoy the spectacle as much as everyone else. But every few months, Marrakech and other towns in the vicinity host cultural festivals that add even more to a visitors’ experience. Here are some you shouldn’t miss:

• Marrakech Popular Arts Festival

  The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival’s program includes folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Since 2000 the festival has also attracted many artists and entertainers from Europe and Asia. The main events take place in the ruins of the 16 century Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna (main town square). Not to be missed, outside the city walls at night, is the Fantasia. A horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing.

  Where: Marrakech, Morocco
  When: July 16 – 24 (2010)

• Imilchil Marriage Festival

  The Imilchil Marriage Feast is a Berber marriage festival where up to forty couples tie the knot. It takes place in Imilchil in the Middle-High Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. The festival is a great way to experience Berber culture including music and dance.

  Where: Imilchil (near Marrakech), Morocco
  When: August/September (2010)

  

• International Film Festival

  The always lively central Place Djemaa el-Fna sets the stage for Marrakech’s International Film Festival. The city’s central square, is transformed into an open-air cinema. Festival visitors in the past have included Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Sarandon, David Lynch and many others.

  Where: Marrakech, Morocco
  When: 3 – 10 December, 2010

  Save the Date for 2011
  

  Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival

  A music festival based on the traditions of Gnawa music has grown to include musicians from all over the world. This successful annual festival has been around for a decade and venues are dotted all around the picturesque town of Essaouira. Gnawa music is a combination of acrobatic dancing as well as music. Its origins lie in a unique mixture of Berber, African and Arabic songs, religious rites and dance.

  Where: Essaouira, Morocco
  When: June 2011

  Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in traveling to Morocco. Check out our sample itineraries or let us customize your trip.

  This entry was posted on Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 9:20 am and is filed under Explore Destinations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.