Morocco Blogs

Now that the Sefrou Cherry Festival has concluded (see a nice wrap-up at Vagobond.com) it’s time to let you know about the next great Morocco Summer Festival.

The Festival Gnaoua has been rocking the beautiful seaside town of Essouaria since 1998. This year the Gnawa Festival will take place from June 25, 2010 -June 28, 2010. The official site and program can be found at
Festival-Gnaoua.net

Here is a little bit of the history of the Gnawa Festival in Essouaria

Every June thousands of ecstatic fans swoop down on the usually peaceful coastal town of Essaouira. The Gnaoua World Music Festival, brings incredible music, excited fans, and makes it nearly impossible to find accommodation.

Through the years the festival has been visited by such celebrities as Orson Welles, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger. Each year there are scores of brand new acts and returning stars. This is the premier event in the world for Morocco’s most famous music.

Recently, the United Nations named the site where the event takes place a world heritage site. Included in the venue are nine stages where headliners play and two outdoor ampitheatres where free shows fort the public take place. As if that is not enough, there are also several acoustic tents and a couple of small outdoor stages where you will find yourself within intimate range of some of the best world music on the planet.