Marrakech holds a wide variety of international festivals of all genres as one of the many attractions of the Ochre City. Here is a list of 10 of the best and most interesting festivals celebrated in Marrakech:
1. Marrakech International University Music Festival (FIFUM)
The 6th edition of this cultural event, held in April 2009, showcases several international and Moroccan university musical ensembles from countries like Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, France, Syria, Portugal, Palestine, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Hungary, and Sweden. The FIMUM, with its educational, human and civilisational dimensions, aims at bringing an active contribution to the cultural boom of the Ochre City.
2. Marrakech National Festival of Popular Arts (FNAP)
This oldest of Morocco's festivals celebrates its 44th edition in July 2009 and gathers over 700 artists and 40 troupes from all over the country. Alongside the Amazigh dances and Gnaoua musicians in the spectacular setting of the Badi Palace, the festival also displays other traditional dances and music representative of each region of the country in a wider range of settings throughout the city.
The audience will enjoy duos among great popular modern and renowned Moroccan artists as well as artists and ensembles of the new generations. The best bands are selected from all regions of the kingdom in order to display the richness and the cultural and heritage diversity of each region and, thus, of the whole country.
3. Marrakech International Magic Festival
A wide range of Moroccan and international hugely renowned magicians, coming from Italy, Spain, France, and China participate in the 6th edition of this festival in March 2009. Picked carefully from the four corners of the world, the talented artists that will take part have already been awarded in the most important international magic festivals, like in Las Vegas, Monte-Carlo, Beijing, Paris or Rome.
4. Festival of Dakka Marrakchia
Marrakech's inhabitants still stand up to Western rhythms and celebrate their own rhythm in this 3rd edition of the Festival of Dakka Marrakchia in January 2009. The Moroccan Association of Friends of the Palm Tree (AMAN) has taken charge of the conservation of this Ochre City's musical heritage that reminds us of the city's African roots. This 3rd edition will enjoy the opening-up to the other similar Moroccan rhythms, such as the Dakka from Demnat or that of Taroudant.
5. Marrakech International Laughter Festival
The creators of this festival wish to revive in its December 2009 4th edition the dynamic of laughter and humour and offer young unknown stars the chance to shine. Thus, comedians, actors and singers, as well as TV directors and producers, scriptwriters and mere onlookers, come from all corners of the world, will have a chance to share their interest for humour, laughter and comedy for three days.
Over twenty comedians from France, Belgium and Morocco will participate in this event, which will also hold a competition for young talents. A wide range of shows will be showcased, including one-man-shows and stand-up comedy, animation, burlesque, dance, concerts, games, gags and even shows for kids.
6. SUN Festival - National Youth and Music Festival (FNDJEM)
This 2nd edition of the Sun Festival in June 2009 is an invaluable stepping stone for young talents via competitions, workshops and prize giving. This original, unique and eclectic festival gathers together some 250 young artists and about a hundred top musicians from the alternative Moroccan scene, and will welcome all sorts of styles and musical influences: traditional gnawa musicians, Moroccan and French rap and hip hop, rock music, electro, folk music, pop music, Rn'B, house, fusion, etc.
7. International Contemporary Dance Festival in Marrakech « On Marche »
The 4th edition of this cultural event, held in January 2008, gathered dancers and choreographers from various countries including Spain, Japan, the USA, South Korea, Greece, Ivory Coast, Norway, Iran, Burkina Faso, and France. Besides the actual performances and shows, the festival will offer workshops, round tables and the showing of films and videos on different styles of dance in order to respond to an interest in bringing dance closer to a wider audience and allowing a larger diffusion of the different artistic genres included in the programme.
8. Marrakech International Theatre Festival
The menu of the 5th edition of this festival, usually held in May, includes an international conference animated by eminent Moroccan and foreign professors, round tables and workshops. The event consistently welcomes troupes from all over the world, including countries such as Palestine, Iraq, Tunisia, France, Belgium, Serbia, Sudan, Monaco or Italy. Each edition of this festival is dedicated to a prominent figure of Moroccan theatre to celebrate lives devoted to the progress and diffusion of dramaturgy.
9. Marrakech International University Theatre Festival
The programme of this festival is quite varied and original. Held in November 2008, the 2nd edition of this university cultural event included dance, comedy and drama performed by French, Belgian, German, Egyptian, Russian, and Swiss professional and university troupes, as well as several local and national Moroccan young theatrical companies. Round tables, conferences and workshops complete this festival's attractive offer.
10. Marrakech International Film Festival
The FIFM is the main event devoted to the 7th art in Morocco and quite possibly in the whole African continent, as well as the main and most glamorous international cultural event in the Ochre City. The festival is usually held in November or December and will celebrate its 9th edition in 2009. It gathers together film celebrities from all over the world, and its jury hosts filmmakers, comedians, producers, film personalities and writers. The FIFM is chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid and screens and awards with the Golden Star all sorts of films and short films from all over the world.
So, as you can see, Marrakech's festival scene is varied and of the highest quality, and is one of the many attractions of the city. In order to enjoy thoroughly your festival experience, choose among the best hotels in Marrakech or one of the many charming riads Marrakech has to offer and you will certainly have an unforgettable festival stay in the Ochre City.
David Gonzalez-Company, is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.
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