4 Amazing Cultural Marrakech Music Festivals for 2014
Marrakech, Morocco is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. This ancient city has a great deal to offer, and has many cultural and historic attractions. It also has a great diversity of restaurants and entertainment to keep visitors busy. One of the best things to do in Marrakech is to visit during one of their great music festivals. Here’s a list of great options:
Dakka Marrakchia Festival
This is a free festival that takes place in a variety of neighborhoods in Marrakech. It celebrates the nation’s traditional music that has been passed down over many centuries. The festival specifically honors local saints and the music blends drumming, chanting and the use of traditional instruments.
The Dakka Marrakchia Festival is a rare opportunity for visitors to get a glimpse of traditions that go back at least 1,000 years. It is a festival in which local residents and shopkeepers take part, and everyone plays an instrument or at least stomps their feet to the engaging rhythms. This festival will next be celebrated in February of 2014.
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
This extremely popular festival combines traditional folk music with other time honored art forms such as storytelling, dancing, magicians and acrobatic performances. This annual festival takes place in several different venues around the city, such as El Badi Palace.
Many events related to the Popular Arts Festival also take place in the Place Djemma el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square. This is a popular attraction at all times, with its many alluring food stalls, shops and cafes. During the festival, however, this spot really comes to life. The Popular Arts Festival takes place in July and gives visitors a good reason to come to Marrakech in the summer.
Printemps Musical des Alizes
This festival takes place in February and celebrates the end of winter. This is the perfect festival for lovers of classical music, and the emphasis is on chamber music in particular. There are also opera performances included in the festivities. World renowned classical musicians from all over the world who take part in this spring festival.
These are just some of the spectacular festivals that take place in Marrakech. This is a city that relishes in its traditions. Visitors on holiday (for some good deals see @ Direct Line Holidays my tip) and locals alike look forward to these special events that make the city even more vibrant than usual.
Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival
The Gnawa World Music Festival has become extremely popular over the last decade, attracting musicians from every corner of the globe. The event takes place in the beautiful town of Essaouira, where you can find many markets and cuisine, a great way to get a feel for the traditional island life and culture. The festival itself is a mixture of acrobatic dance routines as well as amazing music. The acts find their origins from old Berber, African and Arabic sounds, to create a unique blend of dance, art and music. Make sure you check out this festival on your travels next year.
