The 2023 festival season is officially open. Where will we be dancing our hearts out in the coming months? From jazz to electronic, and on to traditional music, here’s the roadmap to the musical events to set the soundtrack of your summer.
After a start to the year filled with artistic events (1-54 in Marrakech, Marrakech International Film Festival, Heritage Days in Casablanca), it’s time to give sunny days the welcome they deserve: on the dance floor. Thanks to the lineup of festivals in 2023, outdoor parties and music blasting our eardrums are on the horizon in Morocco (and beyond). On the beach, in the desert, on the grass under a starry sky, or in a historically rich city… Here are five events that will make you want to groove all night long (and beyond).
Moga Festival – May 31 to June 4
Among the most anticipated festivals in 2023 in Morocco we must mention the Moga Festival. In just four editions, this event has established itself as one of the hottest gatherings for electronic music enthusiasts. The festival has been so well-received that it even expanded to Portugal two years ago, with a new format. While we await the lineup for the Moroccan edition, if you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend heading to Costa da Caparica next weekend. With its eclectic lineup, wild parties on a boat or right on the beach, it’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off the summer.
Price: Starting from around 520 DH for a day pass
Moga Festival
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Lost Nomads – June 3
Who hasn’t been tempted by the idea of partying in the desert? If you haven’t experienced it yet, here’s your chance next weekend at Lost Nomads in Agafay. Nawfal, Birds of Mind, Pablo Fierro, Mr ID, and Kawtar Sadik will take turns at the turntables throughout the evening. The headliner – South Korean DJ Peggy Gou – will keep you awake until the early hours. And that’s perfect ; the sunrise over the hills will be one of the highlights of the event.
Price: Starting from 1320 DH
Lost Nomads
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Jazzablanca – June 22 to 24
For the second year in a row, Jazzablanca is taking place at Anfa Park. From June 22 to 24, the artists of the 16th edition of this essential festival in the White City will perform in the open air. Who’s on the bill? The afrobeat orchestra Antibalas will perform with Mehdi Nassouli, while Mika, Beth Hart, and Aloe Blacc will showcase their vocal talents. Discofunk group Nile Rodgers & Chic will liven up the park, and the rock group La Femme will bring a welcomed “French touch” to this international lineup. The highlight? The quartet led by Moroccan jazzman Ismail Sentissi, sure to please fans of more intimate atmospheres.
Price: Passes range from 590 to 1650 DH
Jazzablanca
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Festival Gnaoua: June 22 to 24
Twenty-four. That’s the number for the upcoming edition of the Gnaoua Festival, which will take place in Essaouira from June 22 to 24. After the nomadic blend last year, which saw various artists perform in multiple cities throughout the kingdom, the event returns to Mogador in 2023. Attendees will listen to different groups and maâlems (virtuosos) performing on the various festival stages scattered throughout the city. Among the headliners: Gnawa Diffusion, Ky-Mani Marley, maâlems Hamid El Kasri, Mohamed Kouyou, Majid Bekkas, and Hassan Boussou. This makes for three days of evening celebrations that will delight those who love falling into a musical trance.
Price: Passes range between 250 and 800 DH
Festival Gnaoua
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Photo (c) : Moga Festival
