Moves each year
Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
EverywhereThe month of fasting, ending with Eid al-Fitr. Dates follow the lunar calendar and move about 11 days earlier each year. Evenings are lively, days are calm.
Events & festivals
Festivals & Holidays
Music by the sea, roses in the valleys and a World Cup on the way. Dates change every year, so check the official website before you book.
Moves each year
Eid al-Adha
EverywhereFamilies gather for a big meal, and many shops and offices close for a few days.
January
Amazigh New Year (Yennayer)
EverywhereCelebrated around 13 or 14 January, and a national holiday since 2024.
May
Rose Festival
Kelaat M'Gouna, Dades ValleyThe rose harvest festival in the "Valley of Roses", with music, parades and rose water everywhere.
May / June
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
FesSpiritual music from around the world, in palaces and gardens of the old city.
May / June
Mawazine
RabatA huge music festival with Moroccan and international stars and many free concerts.
June
Gnaoua World Music Festival
EssaouiraGnaoua masters jam with musicians from all over the world on stages by the sea.
30 July
Throne Day
EverywhereA national holiday celebrating the King's accession to the throne.
September
Imilchil Marriage Festival
Imilchil, High AtlasOur favourite for couples: an Amazigh festival linked to the legend of two young lovers, whose tears are said to have formed the lakes of Isli and Tislit.
October
Erfoud Date Festival
Erfoud, near the SaharaA celebration of the date harvest, on the way to the dunes of Merzouga.
6 & 18 Nov
Green March Day & Independence Day
EverywhereTwo national holidays, with flags across the cities.
Nov / Dec
Marrakech International Film Festival
MarrakechFilm stars, premieres and open-air screenings in Jemaa el-Fna.
2030
FIFA World Cup 2030
Morocco, Spain and PortugalMorocco co-hosts the World Cup. Read our World Cup page →
Planning around a festival?
Rooms fill up fast in festival weeks. We can help you plan the dates and the route.