The rooms in Morocco
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Founded 1994, programmes Sufi brotherhoods, Andalusian orchestras, Indian classical, gospel and Tibetan chant across a week each June.
Gnaoua and World Music Festival
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival takes place in Essaouira, the walled Atlantic port city of Morocco whose medina was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Hassan II Mosque Esplanade
Africa's second-largest mosque, inaugurated 1993, built half over the Atlantic Ocean. The 210-metre minaret is the world's second tallest.
Planning a trip
Hearing music in Morocco
Fes suits travellers who want a full programme: Sufi brotherhoods, Andalusian orchestras and sacred music from several traditions, with main concerts at Bab Al Makina nightly from 21:00 to 23:30. The smaller afternoon programme at the Batha Museum is free and intimate. Essaouira suits those who want a parade and a whole town as the stage. Casablanca suits sunset listeners: the Hassan II Mosque catches the western light, and guided tours run for non-Muslim visitors every day except Friday mornings.
Fes is held in the first two weeks of June. Essaouira's 2026 edition ran from 25 to 27 June, and the 28th is announced for 24 to 26 June 2027, so both festivals fall in June, with Essaouira later in the month. Cultural performances at the Hassan II Mosque are irregular, so check the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Casablanca site first.
Fly to Fes (FEZ) directly or via Casablanca, then walk from the medina to Bab al-Makina in 20 minutes. For Essaouira, use Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) or take a Supratours or CTM bus from Marrakech, about three hours. Book the day before and bring a windproof layer. In Casablanca, take Tram T1 from Casa-Voyageurs to Place Mohammed V, then walk 15 minutes west.
FAQ
Questions people ask
When is the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira?
Late June. The 2026 edition ran from 25 to 27 June, and the 28th edition is announced for 24 to 26 June 2027. Book rooms and transport well ahead, and check the official site for the programme.
How do you get to Essaouira from Marrakech?
Supratours and CTM buses run from Marrakech and take about three hours. Seats on the next departure are rarely free, so book your ticket the day before. Bring a windproof layer, as Essaouira is windy most days of the year.
When is the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music?
The first two weeks of June. The main concerts at Bab Al Makina start around 21:00 each night, while the smaller afternoon programme at the Batha Museum is free and intimate. Fly to Fes directly or via Casablanca.
Pulse
Electronic music in Morocco
Morocco is on Pulse, the Sonic Paths map and radio of African electronic music: electronic music in Casablanca (house, 8 artists and collectives), Marrakech (house / techno, 1 artist) and Rabat (house / techno).
More across the continent: African electronic music on Pulse and every dated festival.