Festivals & Events in and around Marrakech
Marrakech and its surrounding area hosts a number of cultural festivals and events throughout the year. Some festivals are based on religious holidays and the dates may change, so it’s best to check the exact dates before you make your travel plans.
- Marrakech International Marathon and Half-Marathon
29 January 2009: Marrakech International Marathon and Half-Marathon, when around 5,000 runners compete on one of the fastest circuits in the world against a back-drop of the Atlas Mountains, running through winding alleyways, grand boulevards, olive and orange groves, and around the rose-coloured city ramparts.
- The Gnaoua & World Music Festival
Early June: (Dates TBC) The Gnaoua & World Music Festival is held in the coastal resort of Essaouira (just a 2.5 hours drive or coach trip away), and features a great line-up of musicians and artists from all over the world, as well as an eclectic mix of traditional Moroccan and African musicians.
- Marrakech National Festival of the Popular Arts
July: (Dates TBC) Marrakech National Festival of the Popular Arts is held mainly amongst the ruins of the atmospheric 16th century Badi Palace, when Berber music, folk dance and street performers come to the city from around the country to entertain visitors for free.
- The Imilchil Marriage Festival
August/September: (Dates TBC) The Imilchil Marriage Festival takes place in a picturesque village in Morocco’s beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains, where women show up from miles around to take their pick of husbands, with all due strutting, flirting, negotiation and celebration.
- Marrakech Folk Music Festival
Mid September: (Dates TBC): Marrakech Folk Music Festival, where local folk musicians perform at various concerts throughout in the city,
- Marrakech International Film Festival
Nov/December: (Dates TBC) Marrakech International Film Festival. Now in its 7th year, this week-long extravaganza is staged at various venues throughout the city, and showcases African, Arab, European and American films, only to be upstaged by the ever-popular open-air Bollywood screenings.