Morocco Festivals Calendar 2026: Events Guide
Morocco’s event calendar in 2026 is packed with a diverse array of festivals, cultural celebrations, and sports competitions that showcase the country’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and growing international profile.
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From religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr to music festivals such as Gnaoua and athletic events like the Africa Women Football Cup of Nations, these gatherings provide opportunities for tourists and expats to immerse themselves in local life. With tourism projected to reach 15 million visitors, planning around these events is essential to avoid crowds or secure tickets. This guide organizes the calendar month-by-month, based on confirmed dates from sources like the Moroccan Tourism Board, ONMT, FIFA, CAF, and cultural organizations, including locations, descriptions, and practical tips for attending. Best time to visit Morocco for festivals, Note that lunar-based dates (e.g., Eid) are tentative and depend on moon sightings.
January: New Year Celebrations and Cultural Beginnings
January starts with national holidays and cultural observances, setting a reflective tone for the year.
- January 1: New Year’s Day – A national holiday with fireworks in major cities like Casablanca and Marrakech. Cultural events include family gatherings and public concerts. Location: Nationwide, with main festivities in urban centers. Tip for tourists: Expect closures of some businesses; book hotel parties in advance (500–1,000 MAD entry).
- January 11: Anniversary of the Independence Manifesto – Commemorates the 1944 manifesto for independence from France. Parades and speeches in Rabat and Casablanca. Location: Capital cities. Tip: Free public events; ideal for history enthusiasts.
- January 14: Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) – Berber New Year celebrated with traditional meals, music, and dances in Berber regions. Location: Ifrane, Chefchaouen, and Atlas villages. Tip: Join local feasts; tours from Fes (400–600 MAD).
Sports: No major events, but local football matches resume post-holidays.
Practical Advice: January weather is cool (10–20°C in cities, snow in mountains); pack layers for outdoor celebrations.
February: Almond Blossoms and Sports Warm-Up
February features natural festivals and the start of sports seasons.
- February 18–21: Almond Blossom Festival – Celebrates blooming almond trees with music, dance, and crafts. Location: Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Tip: Free entry; day trips from Agadir (500–800 MAD); great for photography.
- February 14: Atlas Mountain Race – A cycling endurance event through the Atlas. Location: Beni Mellal area. Tip: Spectator-friendly; tickets not needed, but tours available (300–500 MAD).
- February 18: Start of Ramadan – Beginning of the Islamic holy month with fasting from dawn to dusk. Cultural events include evening markets and family iftars. Location: Nationwide. Tip: Respect local customs; non-Muslims can eat in hotels.
Sports: Local Botola Pro football league matches intensify.
Practical Advice: Mild weather (12–22°C); Ramadan starts, so adjust for daytime closures.
March: Eid and Women’s Football Spotlight
March brings religious holidays and major sports.
- March 17–April 3: Africa Women Football Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Morocco hosts the 14th edition with 16 teams. Location: Rabat, Casablanca, and other cities. Tip: Tickets 100–500 MAD per match; book via CAF website; great for football fans.
- March 19–21: Eid al-Fitr – End of Ramadan with feasts, prayers, and family celebrations. Location: Nationwide, with public events in squares. Tip: Join iftar dinners in riads (200–400 MAD); expect 1–2 day closures.
Practical Advice: Pleasant spring weather (15–25°C); high crowds for WAFCON—book accommodations early.
April: Sacred Music and Spring Festivals
April focuses on cultural and music events.
- April 25–May 3: Fes Festival of World Sacred Music – Global musicians perform in historic venues. Location: Fes. Tip: Tickets 200–500 MAD per concert; book early via festival site.
Sports: National athletics championships in Rabat (dates TBA).
Practical Advice: Warm days (18–28°C); ideal for cultural tourism.
May: Rose Festival and Athletics
May highlights floral festivals and sports.
- May 8–10: Rose Festival – Celebrates rose harvest with parades and markets. Location: Kelaat M’Gouna in Dades Valley. Tip: Free; tours from Marrakech (600–1,000 MAD).
- May 31: Rabat Diamond League – World-class athletics event. Location: Rabat. Tip: Tickets 200–400 MAD; book via World Athletics.
- May 27–29: Eid al-Adha (tentative) – Feast of the Sacrifice with family meals. Location: Nationwide. Tip: Experience local customs; public holidays.
Practical Advice: Blooming season (20–30°C); festivals draw crowds.
June: Music Festivals and Moussem
June is music-focused.
- June: Moussem of Tan-Tan – Nomad gathering with camel races. Location: Tan-Tan. Tip: Free; tours from Agadir (800–1,200 MAD).
- June/July: Gnaoua World Music Festival – Fusion music in coastal setting. Location: Essaouira. Tip: Free concerts; premium events 300–500 MAD.
- June 26–July 5: Fes Festival (Sacred Music) – Spiritual performances. Location: Fes. Tip: Tickets 200–500 MAD.
Practical Advice: Warm weather (22–32°C); coastal for cooler vibes.
July: Jazz and Islamic New Year
July features music and holidays.
- July 2–11: Jazzablanca – Jazz festival with international artists. Location: Casablanca. Tip: Tickets 300–600 MAD; book via Jazzablanca site.
- July 17: Hijra New Year (tentative) – Islamic New Year holiday. Location: Nationwide. Tip: Public holiday; cultural events in mosques.
Practical Advice: Hot inland (25–38°C); focus on coastal events.
August: Summer Sports and Holidays
August emphasizes sports.
- August 1: adidas Runners City Night – Running event. Location: Casablanca (TBA). Tip: Registration 200–400 MAD.
- August 1: Internationales BlueTrackNight Meeting – Athletics. Location: TBA. Tip: Free spectator access.
Practical Advice: Peak heat (30–45°C in Sahara); avoid inland travel.
September–November: Film Festivals and Harvests
Fall brings cultural events.
- October: Dates Festival – Harvest celebration. Location: Erfoud. Tip: Free; tours from Merzouga (400–600 MAD).
- November/December: Marrakech International Film Festival – Global films. Location: Marrakech. Tip: Tickets 50–200 MAD.
Sports: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers (Morocco team, dates TBA).
Practical Advice: Mild weather (18–26°C); shoulder season bargains.
December: Holidays and Film Festivals
December ends with festive events.
- December: Christmas markets – In expat areas like Casablanca. Tip: Free; great for shopping.
Sports: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (hosted in Morocco, dates TBA).
Practical Advice: Cool weather (10–19°C); book for holidays.
Planning Tips for Morocco Events in 2026
- Booking: Use GetYourGuide for festival tickets; book 2–3 months ahead.
- Transportation: ONCF trains for cities; tours for rural events.
- Safety: Crowds increase risks; stay alert.
- Costs: Festival tickets 100–500 MAD; tours 400–1,000 MAD.
FAQs About Morocco Events Calendar 2026
What are the major festivals in Morocco in 2026?
ennayer, Almond Blossom, Rose Festival, Gnaoua, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha.
When is the Africa Women Football Cup of Nations in Morocco?
March 17–April 3, 2026.
What sports events are in Morocco in 2026?
WAFCON, Diamond League in Rabat, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
How can tourists attend Eid celebrations in Morocco?
Join public events or riad-hosted iftars.
This Morocco events calendar for 2026 helps plan around cultural and sports highlights. Book early for popular dates. Follow Lovin Morocco for updates.
