The number of visitors is large, especially . Listen to them play live and unplugged from the International Nomads Festival in M'Hamid el Ghizlane. She is also an accomplished jazz and Afrojazz/Afrosoul vocalist and has been working, researching, and performing in Africa and the U.S. since 1987. Bombino Live at International Nomads Festival, 2017. The event also welcomes foreign musicians to participate in the activities and perform. This is what you can expect as a traveler in Morocco during this time. Best Places to Visit in Morocco - Vagrants Of The World Travel The most traditional Morocco festivities, however, take place in the central Atlas Mountains, when Berber communities sing, dance, and make couscous in the hopes of a fruitful agricultural year. Along with musicians and dancers, there will be fortune tellers, performing troupes, snake charmers, and fire swallowers. No trip to MHamid El Ghizlane is complete without spending at least one night out in the Sahara desert. Visiting Morocco in March - MarocMama This charming city is a must-see for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of traditional Moroccan architecture and culture. Learning Arabic Local, national, and international artists, musicians, poets . The festival takes over Morocco's capital for eight days to feature some of the world's most prominent musicians, with previous headliners including Travis Scott, Maroon 5, Rihanna, and Whitney Houston. See the International Nomad Festival site for details. Keep in mind theres no dress code in Morocco but its always thoughtful to dress more modestly. After an absence of two years caused by the pandemic, the Nomads Festival returned to Morocco. Sahara Desert Written and photographed by JBT Director, Lucas Peters, the 2nd edition of Moon Morocco is a detailed, full-colored country guidebook. This one of the Annual Events in Morocco, held in Casablanca in April, features various jazz-fusion acts. Spread across eight stages, the festival takes over Moroccos capital to showcase some of the worlds most popular artists with past headliners including Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Whitney Houston. Today, various towns in Morocco, such as Agadir and Tiznit, organize events to commemorate the day. Days can be very hot in many areas of the country, but nights will still be cold, so it is best to be prepared! They gather to celebrate nomadic life of the Sahara desert. All eyes are on Moroccos Independence Day on November 18th. Dinner on the festival grounds or in the bivouac, This holy city is home to around 20 mosques and sanctuaries and thousands of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Chefchaouen every year. The Erfoud Date Festival celebrated over three days in early October, commemorates the harvest of over a million date palms in the Erfoud area. One great festival for those looking to get to know Moroccos multicultural past is the Gnaoua World Music Festival held in the picturesque seaside town of Essaouira in June every year. She was telling them stories full of strong messages, saidMoroccan storyteller, NabilaEl Fahmy. This festival is coming back this year with a rich programme: exhibitions and activities all linked to nomadism such as the camels race and preparing then cooking bread loaves in the sand, said the Nomads Festival directorNourredine Bougrab. Here, its tradition to spend New Years Eve under the stars in the Sahara Desert for a night you wont forget. Entrance to the festival is free, and visitors can reach Mhamid El Ghizlane bus from Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Zagora. This event in Marrakech is the first on the African continent to set such a high standard. This hotel housed all the musicians, international journalists, special guests, dignitaries and tourists. Workshops are also available for dancers and musicians throughout various sites in Tangier. GET INSPIRED BY: Spain, Morocco and Portugal Sunglasses are always a plus to protect your eyes from the sun, and hats or scarves to protect your head can be nice, too. It invites local, national and international artists to showcase their poetry, music, dance, storytelling and handicrafts. For the less physically inclined, there is still plenty to enjoy in Morocco in April. Today, the day is celebrated throughout the country with colorful parades and street vendors selling traditional foods. Market booths fill the streets among the valleys old Roman ruins, and stage shows fight for your attention with the flowering almond trees. The international aspect of the Nomad Festival is limited to the countries close to and bordering the Moroccan Sahara. If you wish to attend the International Nomads Festival, make sure to plan ahead of time for proper transportation because the roads are in poor condition. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Tourism Overview It has, however, been given new life, since it is now commemorated every September in Tantan. And packing some warm sleepwear and a robe is always a good idea, too, since many places are not heated and nights can still get pretty cold. By using this website, you agree with our use of cookies to improve its performance and enhance your user experience. What festivals are celebrated in Morocco? | Intrepid Travel US If you travel to Morocco in this month and you are an inveterate lover of culture, an excuse to know the Moroccan feeling is to attend a festival created by and to extol the countrys traditions. Organizers will also offer various traditional activities at the event such as sand hockey, painting, weaving, camel racing, and bread making. Today, it is a national holiday celebrated with street decorations and public festivities in various cities throughout Morocco. The festival will also have educational activities like workshops and conferences on nature, nomadism, agriculture, environmental protection, and heritage. During these 4 days, the city of Douala will welcome a varied audience, with 40 music concerts, dance shows, fashion shows and art exhibitions. The Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival draws performers and artists from Europe and beyond in July. Oujda is the largest city in eastern Morocco and found near the border of Algeria. This traditional Berber custom happens once a year and seeks to bring together families of various local tribes to meet and marry their sons and daughters. International Nomad Festival Photos and Premium High Res Pictures The makers take a look at their threatened way of living and also at the "International Nomad Festival" (Festival International des Nomades), organized by the association "Nomades du Monde", taking place every year in the community of M'Hamid El Ghizlane. Let us keep you up to date with amazing events. The first occurs on January 1st. If you want to see one of the most picturesque locations in Morocco, take a day trip to Chefchaouen. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. This festival is a real "springboard " for nomadic culture with a theme that varies each year. Celebrations after the harvest feature folk songs, dancing, and colorful processions. I'm Amanda, an American girl who married a Moroccan guy nearly 20 years ago. You can easily book with our reception! The International Nomad Festival is returning with a new edition starting April 29 to May 1stin Mhammid LGhezlan. As part of the University of Birmingham's Culture Forward initiative, Soul City Arts will create an installation entitled 'NOMAD' for Festival '23. Be sure to pack a variety of clothing so you are prepared for the heat of the day and the cold of the night. While youre planning your next vacation to this diverse country, be sure to check out the events listed below! It is held approximately 50 miles north of Ouarzazate in El Kelaa MGouna, a town affectionally also called the Valley of Roses. Tafraoute, Moroccos almond-producing hub, has always staged an annual local agricultural festival to promote almond goods and commemorate the years harvest. March marks the beginning of springtime in Morocco. MHamid is definitely a bit off the beaten path, and has been referred to as the place where civilization ends. This event brings together more than 30 tribes from southwestern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa to worship, exchange stories, dance, and compete in camel races. Some sports activities also take place, which are especially enjoyed by the little ones. Please use our Contact Us page to reach us for initial tour requests. Click here - you don't want to miss a thing! Mawazine (Rhythms of the World) is held in Rabat in June. The temperature in Morocco in March grow warmer during the day, with average daytime temperatures of 20C to 24C, depending on the area of the country you visit. This one of the many Annual Events in Morocco evolved from a basic harvest festival to a local folklore celebration incorporating traditional Berber music, dancing, and drama as a result of this change. In between acts, stop by the festivals street booths to experience genuine cuisine and drinks of the Imperial city of Fes. They gather to celebrate nomadic life of the Sahara. You will find everything in this market, from mosques and Islamic schools to areas filled with spices and fresh meat. Check the website for exact dates: the festival usually happens in the latter half of March or early April. Flights from Casablanca to Zagora, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate are available. It is here that Morocco produces the majority of its rose water, a staple in Middle Eastern cooking. Our festival arrangements are available upon request. It gathers over 500,000 attendees to watch all expressions of Moroccan folklore art including fantasia performances, traditional orchestras, songs and dances. The festival honors Sufi spirituality and music by bringing together Sufi religious leaders and artists from across the world to display their poetry, films, music, dance, and artworks. In addition to round tables with experts, conferences and workshops on broad topics such as agriculture, flora, fauna, environment, education, health, nomadism, and above all, culture, sport is not far behind. Subscribe now to the newsletter, to receive the latest news daily. Heather Maxwell produces and hosts the award-winning radio program Music Time in Africa and is the African Music Editor for the Voice of America. It's usually held in March in the Draa Valley. Every year in early autumn, people of the Atlas Mountains Berber communities assemble in the small village of Imilchil to commemorate the legend of two star-crossed lovers who killed themselves when their parents opposed their marriage. It invites local, national and international artists to showcase their poetry, music, dance, storytelling and handicrafts. The first festival held in the south of the country is celebrated in the town of M'hamid El Ghizlane located 90 km south of Zagora in the Draa Valley. For three days, relax on the sandy dunes, listen to music, dance under the moon and participate in riveting discussions on peace, stability and environmental protection. Photo: Luois Tissier. March is still a decent time to visit the Sahara desert, as well, although the daytime temperatures may be hard to take for people who are sensitive to heat. Morocco World News. March is an excellent time to be planning Morocco tours. FESTIVAL NOMADES - Festival in desert Morocco They gather to celebrate nomadic life of the Sahara desert. This free, open-air festival takes place in March to celebrate cultural diversity and honor the heritage of the regional nomadic tribes. If you plan to visit the mountains, you may still want to consider some thermals or long johns for those cold nights. Read more about this event by clicking on the link we've provided. The Amazigh people have ancient origins dating back to 10,000 B.C., and Mhamid El Ghizlane was a haven for the nomadic people. With this move, the event also developed from a simple harvest festival to a local folklore celebration involving traditional Berber music, dance and theater. The Tantan Moussem has been on the market since 1963 and has been neglected for some time. The seventeen 2022 Music Festivals supported in Africa There is one whole square dedicated to making and selling Smen, a fermented butter used in Moroccan cooking, especially couscous. The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival starts in June and comprises performers from all over the world, but it is primarily a celebration of Gnaoua, a distinct genre inspired by Berber, African, and Arabic music, dance, and religious ceremonies. There are two main annual events taking place in Morocco in March. You never know what youll witness, from Iranian whirling dervishes to mystics, Sufi chanters, and international dancers. Held in the desert in M'hamid El Ghizlane for four days late March, early April. During these few days of festivity, the Saharas numerous nomadic groups come together to celebrate Beidane culture. For me, the role of the camel is endless. Events take place in the small town of M'Hamid el Ghizlane, historically known as a refuge for nomadic peoples. The Dates Festival in Erfoud kicks us off by celebrating the seasons dates harvest with religious ceremonies, a colorful procession of traditional costumes, camel races and, of course, music and dance. During the first month of the year, all eyes are on Moroccos New Year celebrations which come at two different points in the month. But the most traditional Morocco festivals occur in the middle Atlas, where Berber tribes sing, dance and prepare couscous in the hopes of obtaining a prosperous agricultural year. Visitors are allowed to attend the event, but discretion is advised while observing the ceremonies. At night, the grandma used to gather her family to tell them stories she learnt herself from her mother and grandmother. For four days visitors attend round . The Tet Festival is the celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. While the groups were the most international of musical acts, their connection to nomadism was not obvious. Conferences and workshops also take place to discuss . The second New Years Eve event, however, takes place a few weeks later on January 12th and 13th. Poetry, stories, songs, music and dances are performed by artists (local, regional, national and international) invited to perform on stage. The event is based around music and offers all sorts of arts, giving the curious visitor the chance to learn about dance, crafts and poetry of the nomadic peoples. ! Temperatures may start cooling down in October, but the festivities continue in full force! In Fez, youll find the Festival of World Sacred Music, gathering musicians, scholars and art enthusiasts from all over the world. Afropop Worldwide | Field Report: Festival International des Nomades Nomads festival returns to Morocco The country is still awash in greenery and it is consistently warm nationwide as spring continues. Powered by: Howdy Code. Attending is a unique opportunity to get to know this very positive and enriching project where solidarity and generosity are key to the harmony of this festival. But if you want to travel back in time, the Imilchil Marriage Festival is the one you cant miss this month. Music, dance, talks on cultural issues, incredible food and more are all on offer at this unique festival, which is held annually in the Draa Valley. As the summer heat takes over Morocco, its coastal towns come alive with all kinds of eclectic festivals. * Creating an account means you're okay with our, Copyright 2017-2019 Mhamid Travel - All Right Reserved, Marrakech Dinner and Fantasia show At chez Ali, New Years Eve on the 3 day Tours departure from Mhamid, the night of New Year Eve in the dunes of Chegaga, New Years Eve on a 3 day tour departure from Marrakech, New Years Eve on a 3-day Tours departure from Ouarzazate, The International nomadic Festival in Mhamid. The International Festival of Nomads takes place in the open air, right on the edge of the enormous expanses of the Sahara desert. There was a special placeon one side of the stage reserved for a boisterous class of school girls. Festivals: Discover a More Intimate Side of Morocco The museum itself is also a work of art, as the collection is located in a summer palace from the 19th century! There was the exception with the trio of Polish bands that performed; Dikanda, Dudy Skrzypce, and Magda Navarette, butthe trio was a bit of head scratcher. Modern day greasers, the Sinners are all about the old school. 2023 Getty Images. Food & Recipes The nomadic people of Morocco mostly come from Amazigh (Berber) and Arab backgrounds. It's an incredible multicultural celebration of music, dance, food, cultural issues, and more. The week-long event features free concerts, a film festival and a forum where debates are held. One of the most popular is the Timitar Music Festival which takes place in Agadir. The ambiance was sweet. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. In 2022, you'll discover artists such as Spido, Mosayane, Rinyu, Nicaise Teossock, Nda Chi, Jovi and plenty of others Those searching for a good chuckle in the Annual Events in Morocco might go to Marrakech du Rire, a 5-day international comedy festival held in Marrakech in June. Rabat What festivals are celebrated in Morocco? | Intrepid Travel EU Moroccan musicians are increasingly being highlighted, with the festival serving as a platform for their big break. She has structured her life in a . But there is still much to enjoy about this ancient, yet modern, city. The weather can vary a lot from one region to another. The most unique New Years celebration, however, comes a couple of weeks later on January 12th and 13th. The festival also highlights Mhamid LGhezlan regions rich heritage and its stunning desert. Bring your sense of adventure and your camera, and make memories you will treasure for the rest of your life!in a country as amazing as Morocco, there is a feast for the eyes around every corner. Pearl Jam Announce North America Tour Dates, Don't miss the Jonas Brothers' Five Albums. It encourages local, national, and worldwide artists to display their work in poetry, music, dance, storytelling, and handicrafts. Morocco is rich in history and beauty. Subscribe to our unique 'I Wish I Could Fly'Newsletters, Make your travel eventful. The festival aims to preserve the rich history, heritage, and identity of the nomadic tribes in the region. This incredible market is made up of 9,400 winding paths too narrow and full of foot traffic to allow for cars. Moroccan and international jazz singers perform there. Although this manifesto was dismissed and Morocco didnt gain its full independence until 1957, the Proclamation of Independence remained an important symbol of Moroccos nationalist struggle. The festivals expanding popularity, however, forced it to relocate from Tafraoute to Valle Dei Tempi, where it now takes place. The three day festival takes place in March every year, and is a great way to learn all about the nomadic culture in Morocco. Temperatures grow warmer during the day, but are generally tolerable in most places. This three-day festival, which takes place in a remote Saharan village called M'Hamid El Ghizlane, celebrates nomadic culture. The festival takes over Moroccos capital for eight days to feature some of the worlds most prominent musicians, with previous headliners including Travis Scott, Maroon 5, Rihanna, and Whitney Houston. In Morocco, nomads keep alive ancient sport of sand hockey Register with GoWhereWhen 'I Wish I Could Fly'. Not for me anyway. A more modern festival is the Mawazine (Rhythms of the World) which takes place in Rabat. Morocco Festivals: A Calendar Overview with Photos - Journey Beyond Travel About the motorcycle movie Choppertown the Sinners Chefchaouen January 27-29, 2023. The International nomadic Festival in Mhamid - Mhamid travels None of them is old enough to have experienced the hot rod heydays of the '50s and '60s, but still they live on the edge of society chopping cars and bikes and searching . The kings and queens of comedy, along with young comedians looking for their big break, put on their best show for you across a multitude of venues in the city. The rooms are beautiful andspacious and the hot showers were amazing! The International Nomad Festival has been a world leader in "cultural diversity and openness to the world" for 16 years, as they say from the organization of the event. The three-day festival gave local and international audiences the opportunity to experience nomadic cultures and traditions with music, conferences and debates, markets for local products and crafts, and showcases of traditional Saharan nomad activities as desert hockey, camel races, a competition for the best sand bread and a demonstration of how to erect nomad tents. In early September, the fun starts in Tangier at the annual Tanjazz Festival. If visiting the desert overnight, be sure to bring blankets, even though days can be quite hot. Browse 781 iranian nomads photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Choose the circuit that brings you together According to Festival Director Noureddine Bourgrab however, some of themhave nomadic roots in the Beskid Mountains in the Carpathians. One option is to organize your vacation around one of the many yearly festivals and events held around the nation. If youre looking for a challenge, this is it! Pour terminer le processus d'abonnement .. Suivez les tapes mentionnes dans l'email de confirmation d'abonnement. Musical performances, photography exhibitions, local talent shows and tasty traditional foods fill the streets of Chefchaouen to showcase the best of Moroccan and international culture. You may want to be aware if Easter is early in the year there can be increased tourist traffic in late March around the holiday. Mawazine (Rhythms of the World) is held in Rabat in June. It features the very best in house, disco, and electro music. The month of May is when Moroccos cultural agenda really shines, with some of the best-known festivals taking place throughout the country. I'm a writer, entrepreneur, and lover of all things delicious. This email cannot be added to this list. Colorful Map With the aim of addressing social issues and bridging cultures through the arts, the 1-month event is held every 2 years and usually opens at the beginning of March and ends in late April or early May. The Marathon des Sables (The Sand Marathon) is one of its most unique events (albeit not as much of a Morocco festival as the others), taking place every year over the course of 10 days. Every year in mid-March, the International Nomads Festival brings people from around the world to the desert town of M'hamid el Ghizlane. Despite the limited geographic scope of the music acts, the festival still has other cultural and historical features that continue to attract international attention. Djemma el Fna and the remnants of the 16th-century El Badi Palace host the main events. The Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar, held in El Jadida, is a fascinating religious and cultural festival honoring the Sufi Saint Abdallah Abou Lmahasin Mohammed Amghar. For the first time, the festival invited three storytellers from Mali, France and Morocco who captivated the audience with their tales. The Sufi Music & Cultural Festival is held every year for 8 days in the imperial city of Fez (in 2016, the dates have been pushed back to October). However, the main event takes place at a specific set-up nomadic camp around 20 kilometers from MHamid. Morocco in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More | kimkim The mobile communities craft khaimas (tents made from black goat hair and camel) for shelter and are heavily family and community-based. Un Esprit, un Festival. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. International Nomad Festival. One of the biggest highlights of visiting during March is the International Nomads Festival. The. Why its the City of Love and so much more. For three days and nights, the town is abuzzwith activities ranging from44Sahara tours to the Great Dunes of Erg Chigagatolate night, desert-rock concerts. Since Morocco is an all-year-round destination, some may find it tough to decide when to visit. The Festival of Roses is one of the prettiest celebrations in Morocco, dedicated to commemorating the seasons rose harvest. Please enter a different email address.>, The International Nomad Festival is returning with a new edition starting April 29 to May 1, Follow the latest news from Hespress on Google News. Weve created this handy infographic that you can use to remember and plan your visit with some of the most popular festivals in Morocco! But for visitors who want to truly immerse themselves, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Tetouan is definitely in order. As Moroccos almond-producing capital, Tafraoute has historically held a small agricultural gathering every year to sell almond products and celebrate the years harvest. The open-air event features local musicians, dancers, writers, and craftspeople, plus traditional food and educational workshops. This unique festival seeks primarily to be a place of cultural exchange, featuring artists, dancers and musicians from all corners of the world.