Its cultural diversity and complex history means that, today, Moroccans are always celebrating something. A newer festival, debuting in 2016, is MOGA, an electronic music festival to take place in Essaouira. So, go ahead! We would love to help you build a travel plan an that includes one or several festivals. The ambiance was sweet. They gather to celebrate nomadic life of the Sahara desert. Culture and Etiquette In 2022, you'll discover artists such as Spido, Mosayane, Rinyu, Nicaise Teossock, Nda Chi, Jovi and plenty of others The International Cultural Festival brings hundreds of thousands of people to the ordinarily sleepy beach village of Assilah in June. While the groups were the most international of musical acts, their connection to nomadism was not obvious. There are some festivals in Morocco whose dates change every year, because they follow the Islamiccalendar. Heather is an ethnomusicologist with Doctorate and Masters degrees from Indiana University specializing in African Music. The most unique New Years celebration, however, comes a couple of weeks later on January 12th and 13th. It has even been classified as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO. 01 July 2017 09:00 0:00 0:59:59 Pop-out player Ethnomusicologist and Host Dr. Heather Maxwell takes you to the Sahara Desert in Morocco where she talks to Malian desert rock band, Terakaft. The Nomads of the World association will host the 18th Nomad Festival, which takes place at a crossing point for trade caravans in the Moroccan desert. In an earlier publication of this article I stated that none of the Polish bands were nomads or gypsies. The open-air event features local musicians, dancers, writers, and craftspeople, plus traditional food and educational workshops. I'm a writer, entrepreneur, and lover of all things delicious. Set in a colorful and exotic setting, the International Nomads Festival is a free access open-air event in harmony with nature and with the nomads' world, a forum to freely express and exchange ideas in a friendly environment, showcasing a population of children, women and men with a strong cultural identity of the values and wisdom that are the. However, the best part of the music was not on the stage. Moroccan musicians are increasingly being highlighted, with the festival serving as a platform for their big break. Our cross cultural life has taken us around the world and we currently call Morocco home. 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. 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. People celebrate by cooking special foods and donning their best clothes while visiting family and friends. Widely recognized as one of the premier African music festivals, it features over 40 artists from all corners of the world to promote Amazigh culture. She has structured her life in a . According to Festival Director Noureddine Bourgrab however, some of themhave nomadic roots in the Beskid Mountains in the Carpathians. And the oldest university in the world University of Al-Karaouine can be found there, too, if you know where to look. The country is still awash in greenery and it is consistently warm nationwide as spring continues. The Festival of Roses is one of Moroccos most beautiful events, marking the seasons rose harvest. Djemma el Fna and the remnants of the 16th-century El Badi Palace host the main events. The first festival held in the south of the country is celebrated in the town of Mhamid El Ghizlane located 90 km south of Zagora in the Draa Valley. Dinner on the festival grounds or in the bivouac, The Tafraoute Summer Music Festival, held in Trafraoute, is a free three-day event featuring local bands, musicians and artists from all over Morocco. Terakaft live on stage at the International Nomads Festival, Mhamid El Ghizlane, Morocco 2017. For three nights, internationally renowned Nomad desert-blues and rock bands, such as Bombino (Niger) and Terakaft (Mali), and Moroccan superstars like Saida Charaf and Mohamed Jbara, rocked the town stage. Be sure to go early, however, because this market closes up around noon to beat the heat. Tangier Transportation to and from the festival. The star of the show, however, is a three-day horse festival which includes a Moroccan fantasia (a traditional exhibition of horsemanship). The 1st edition of Marrakesh & Beyond is a handy pocket-sized traveler. In 2017, I enjoyed all of these activities immensely. All Rights Reserved. This festival is a real "springboard " for nomadic culture with a theme that varies each year. 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. Local customs honoring the religious day vary across the country but usually parents offer toys to their children who spend their day playing outside with fireworks. Written and photographed by JBT Director, Lucas Peters, the 2nd edition of Moon Morocco is a detailed, full-colored country guidebook. 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. So if you are looking to enjoy that North African sunshine while avoiding heavy tourist traffic, March might just be the ideal time to pay a visit to Morocco! Every September, it lasts three days. DOMAF, is a meeting between urban cultures from the Central African sub-region. The Leo Sarkisian African Music Collection >>, Heather Maxwell produces and hosts the award winning radio program ", : Music Post-Ebola: Artist Amaze says Hipco Songs Made Tremendous Impact. Read More: Visiting the Desert in Morocco. We can book tickets for the festival for you. The first, best known to the Western world, is January 1st. The International Nomad Festival is a public and artistic open-air event held every year in M'Hamid El Ghizlane, 90 km south of Zagora in the Draa valley, Morocco. International Nomads Festival. For three days and nights, the town is abuzzwith activities ranging from44Sahara tours to the Great Dunes of Erg Chigagatolate night, desert-rock concerts. When traveling to Morocco, it is important to remember that daytime and nighttime temperatures can vary a great deal throughout most of the year. International Nomad Festival stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and formats to fit your needs. 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 . Dressing in layers is generally recommended. 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. Similar in many ways to field and ice hockey, but played barefoot and with palm wood sticks, the ancient game is called "mokhacha" in . 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. Jewish Morocco Although Oujdas Medina is not very big, it is an amazing place to visit. A complimentary guidebook to Moon Morocco, this guide dives deeper into the mysterious souks of the famed Red City. With a detailed shopping guide, handy fold-out map, and itineraries for day-tripping from Marrakesh, Lucas brings us another great resource for Morocco! 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. 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. Listen to them play live and unplugged from the International Nomads Festival in M'Hamid el Ghizlane. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Climate Change Disrupts Moroccan Nomads Lifestyle, Five Places to Visit For Your Next Trip to The Desert, No Place to Sell Sheep: How COVID-19 is Challenging Moroccos Nomads, In Photos: An Unforgettable Weekend in the Moroccan Sahara Desert, US Alexandria Celebrates Morocco Day, Explores Zagora Tourism Assets, After Zagora, USs Morocco Day to Honor 12 Moroccan Regions in 12 Years, Moroccan American Network Considers Moroccan Cities for 2020 Morocco Day, Morocco Day in Washington Celebrated Beauty of Zagora, Gate to Sahara, 2022 Morocco World News, All Rights Reserved. The Ministry of Culture is working to put on the event in collaboration with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the Provincial Council of Zagora, the Agricultural Investment Office and other sector actors. It is known for being located by the picturesque Atlas Mountains for its lush palm groves, traditional architecture, and rich history. She was telling them stories full of strong messages, saidMoroccan storyteller, NabilaEl Fahmy. 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. Outside and around the corner, Bombino agreed to play even though he didnt even have an amp for his electric guitar. Tourist traffic is still pretty light in March, making it a great time to enjoy the amazing sights without the crowds. Check the website for exact dates: the festival usually happens in the latter half of March or early April. 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. Central to nomadic culture is the camel, an animal that played a major role both in war and establishing trade routes through the desert. Youll see pottery, prehistoric tools, and more, as well as an amazing library. Our festival arrangements are available upon request. 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. In mid-April, you can also look forward to the Merzouga World Music Festival which takes place among the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi. This one of the Annual Events in Morocco is widely regarded as one of the top African music festivals, with over 40 performers from all over the world performing to promote Amazigh culture. They gather to celebrate nomadic life of the Sahara. This free, open-air festival takes place in March to celebrate cultural diversity and honor the heritage of the regional nomadic tribes. Festivals, Holidays and Celebrations in Morocco in March. This procedure includes a number of events, displays, and performances. Tafraoute, Moroccos almond-producing hub, has always staged an annual local agricultural festival to promote almond goods and commemorate the years harvest. If traveling in the Atlas or Rif Mountains in March, it is still possible to run into snow. In February, Tafraoutes Almond Blossom Festival gets all the attention. Complex and challenging professions, yet so vital. Key events - International Nomads Festival. Increasingly, Moroccan artists are featured as well using the festival as an opportunity for their big break. The celebration lasts for 4 days and honors the Gnaoua people and their ancestral contribution to the world. The week-long event features free concerts, a film festival and a forum where debates are held. International Nomad Festival. Movies. Travel Safety The intention of its celebration is to extol the cultural wealth of activities and heritage with which the North African country enjoys. Keep in mind theres no dress code in Morocco but its always thoughtful to dress more modestly. Because of its fragrant rose fields, Moroccos Dades Valley is also known as the Valley of the Roses. Wherever you land, be sure to spend some time in the local medina where you can enjoy traditional foods and crafts of all varieties. Dont expect to find a lot of diversity just yet, however. If you have dreamed of exploring the Sahara desert, the small oasis village of MHamid El Ghizlane is a great place to start.