January - Achor Festival
One of the most celebrated popular festivals in Morocco is the New Year and the Achor festival, on January 10. The latter is similar to the Kings that we celebrate with the Christian calendar, when we give toys to the little ones.
February - Moussem by Sidi Ben Aïssa
In February, the Moussem festival of Sidi Ben Aïssa takes place, one of the events in Morocco that brings together the followers of the Aissaoua Brotherhood. During this celebration that lasts several days, the pilgrims settle in Meknes, in tents. Mystical music and dance events are held, along with religious processions and horse shows.
March - Tafraoute
March is the month of one of the most beautiful festivities in Morocco: the Tafraoute, the festival of the almond blossom. In the south of the Atlas, the almond blossoms of the Ameln Valley welcome all who want to celebrate this event. You can attend concerts, dances and shows in the open air, and traditional markets.
April - Jardin’art de Marrakech
If you are in Morocco in April, make time to attend the Jardin’art festival in Marrakech. Numerous events related to botany, such as ephemeral gardens, workshops and floral displays take over the city. There is also music, craft stalls and all kinds of traditional shows.
May - Gnawa Festival
May is the month with the most events in Morocco, we started with the Gnawa Festival of world music. This festival, which is held in Essaouira, is a highly prestigious gathering of world music and a must-see.
Also in May, another of the popular festivals in Morocco that you cannot miss is the Kelaa M’Gouna, or the Rose Festival. The oasis located in the valley of the M'Goun River hosts a festival in honor of the Damascus rose. The festival lasts 3 days, where there are Berber music concerts, traditional dances and songs and the famous shower of rose petals.
June - Sefrou Cherry Festival
During the month of June, another of the most charming popular festivals in Morocco is the Sefrou Cherry Festival. This festival has been declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity, so don't miss it. There are parades of floats, dances and the long-awaited beauty pageant to elect the Queen of Cherries.
July - National Festival of Popular Arts
In July, Moroccans celebrate the National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech. This festival has also been declared a World Heritage Site for its spectacular display of color, music and traditional dances.
In Assilah, you can participate in the International Cultural Festival that bears the same name. There are concerts, workshops, theater, horse shows and the most picturesque: the white walls of the city are painted in colors.
August - Moulay Abdellah Moussem Festival
Within the popular religious festivals, the Moulay Abdellah Moussem Festival is celebrated in August. At the end of the month, in the Ourika Valley, the Setti Fatma Festival also takes place, and to the north of Meknes, the Moulay Driss Zerhoun.
These religious festivities in Morocco are celebrated with great fervor and respect, as they commemorate sacred events in honor of important figures of the Sunni Muslim religion.
September - Imilchil Moussem
In September, in the heart of the Atlas, the locals celebrate the Feast of the Brides, or Moussem de Imilchil. During this particular festival, about thirty young people from the region freely choose and marry. The curious thing about this marriage is that the couple can return to their families if they have not been satisfied with the choice and remarry someone different the following year.
October - Date Festival
In October and within the popular festivals of Morocco, we can attend the Feast of the Dates. This celebration takes place in Erfoud every October 17, and coincides with the harvest of this fruit. There are traditional dances and music, and of course stalls with small sweets made from dates.
On the other hand, it must be remembered that, according to the lunar calendar, October is the month of Ramadan. During this month, Moroccans follow the tradition of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
November and December - Eid Al-Adha
During the months of November and December, at the end of the Ramadan fast, Eid Al-Adha or Feast of the Lamb is celebrated. This feast commemorates the Sacrifice of Abraham, during which a lamb is sacrificed, to be consumed by families among great delicacies.
As you have seen, there are many popular festivals in Morocco that you can make coincide with your trip. Nothing like mixing with the people of a country to experience its culture and traditions more closely.