Tour
Gnawa and World Music Festival
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The Gnawa and World Music Festival is a major cultural event held each June in Essaouira's historic medina. It honors the spiritual music of the Gnawa people, descendants of sub-Saharan slaves, whose hypnotic rhythms and chants are performed with metal castanets (qraqeb) and lutes (guembri). The festival also features international artists, creating a fusion of sounds. Concerts take place in various venues, including the main square, Moulay Hassan, and smaller riads, drawing thousands of visitors for a vibrant, immersive experience.
Don't miss
- Attend a night concert at Moulay Hassan Square, the festival's epicenter.
- Watch Gnawa musicians perform traditional trance-inducing rituals (lila).
- Explore the medina's souks during the day, filled with music and crafts.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Gnawa and World Music Festival
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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