SOLAL Experience: Where Art is Celebrated

Giving birth to a new genre of festivals in Morocco, the Solal Experience represents an artistic utopia where visual, musical, and culinary art are all celebrated over one weekend from April 28-30, 2023.

Set to take place in Essaouira, one of Morocco’s cultural hubs, the event gathers both local and international artists from the four corners of the world, including Tel Aviv, Paris, Marrakech, and Essaouira with the goal of honoring the Moroccan and Souiri culture and presenting it in the best light possible.

Organizing the event is “Unique Music Experience Essaouira” (UMEE), an association that promotes youth empowerment and the cultural industry.

The festival aims to target the youth, providing them with a unique experience. Solal also hopes to offer exposure to various artists, highlight rising Moroccan entrepreneurs, and promote the city of Essaouira as an international ambassador for art and music.

A unique cultural experience

Boasting a long, rich Jewish history, Essaouira was at the heart of commercial exchanges between Morocco, Europe, and West Africa.

The city’s Jewish heritage is still very prominent and visible in the depths of its Medina (old city) with synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, and a Jewish neighborhood (Mellah).

The Mellah area is particularly well-known for its valuable legacy: it used to be the residential neighborhood of the city’s ancient Jewish habitants. Traditional homes, synagogues, Jewish food and music are still present in Essouira’s fiber, signaling the city’s long history of Jewish presence and/or Jewish connections.

Solal Experience participants will benefit from a guided visit, with stops including a visit to Bayt Dakira, the museum of Sidi Ben Abdellah, and other sites.

Music as lifestyle

Essaouira, where music is primarily a lifestyle, has long been a platform for different genres of music. The city’s musical scene is heavily influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab, and African cultures.

It is home to Morocco’s biggest festivals, the most prominent being Gnaoua Festival and “Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques.”

Also known for its vibrant underground music scene, Essaouira is home to highly talented local artists delivering alternative and rock music.

According to the organizers, Solal Experience is an opportunity for youth to discover a diverse musical scene with artists, producers, and Djs from all over the world. The festival is set to offer a broad selection of musical palettes with electronic music at the center but also different styles ranging from downtempo to Organic House and Afrohouse, they said.

An artistic experience

Solal aims to give birth to an innovative and different form of art celebration. The event does not solely focus on one field of artistic creation but honors its various forms.

At the Villa Solal, the festival will welcome different creators who will exhibit their spectacular designs and share their valuable knowledge about the field. On display will be products like fine jewelry, Moroccan cosmetics, fragrances, and traditional rugs.

Also celebrated at the festival will be culinary art, with this year’s edition especially set to celebrate Morocco’s diverse culinary delights through the experience and presence of chef Ayyoub el Ouadi. Originally from Essaouira, the chef thrives when exploring the culinary world in search for deep meaning and buried emotions.

Passionate and innovative, Ayyoub carved his path in the gastronomy industry by working at the best French cuisines. His plates are renowned for their savory flavors and exquisite representation of Morocco’s culture.

Visual art will also be present at the festival, with the organizers announcing various exhibitions aimed at highlighting the talent of local artists and Moroccan tattooers. As part of the festival’s visual art pantheon, attendees will also experience or celebrate various works of painting, photography, and fashion designs.

Making the most of Essaouira

Essaouira is a city with a lot to offer, whether it be historically, culturally, or aesthetically.

During your stay in this much-loved, visually stunning Moroccan city, you can visit its Medina (old city), wander through the streets of its Souks (local markets), and try the local food.

You can also go for a swim at the beach or practice water sports like surfing and kitesurfing.

It can also be interesting to visit the surroundings of the city while on the hunt for astonishing views like the Atlas Mountains, explore the Berber villages, or visit the Argan forests.

While offering this culturally rich experience, Solal aims to have a positive impact on the environment and keep an Eco-friendly label on all of its activities.