Marrakech City Guide - Special Events

Marathon de Marrakech
January
Runners dash to the Palmeraie and back from the Jemaa el Fna.
Begins and ends in Jemaa el Fna
Website: www.marathon-marrakech.com

Rencontres Musicales de Marrakech
March
Classical music buffs throng the amphitheatre at the Théâtre Royale for performances ranging from Mozart to Arab-Andalusian favourites that always bring down the house.
Website: www.maghrebarts.ma

Gnaoua and World Music Festival
June
Free public concerts feature international acts and Morocco's best Gnaoua music, the funky, hypnotic tunes that celebrate freedom from slavery.
Essaouira
Website: www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
July
Berber music, folk dance and street performers pour into Marrakech from around the country to entertain the masses for free.
Marrakech
Website: www.maghrebarts.ma

Marriage Festival
September
Women show up from miles around this Middle Atlas village to take their pick of husbands, with all due strutting, flirting, negotiation and celebration.
Imilchil

Marrakech International Film Festival
November/December
A week-long extravaganza showcasing African and Arab film, with Hollywood glitterati upstaged by the ever-popular open-air Bollywood screenings.
Various venues
Website: www.festival-marrakech.com