Fun Activities To Do This June In Morocco

Rabat – As we welcome the month of June, one of the most pleasing times of the year, people are actively soaking up the warmth of breezy summer days and setting up their exciting plans for the season.

Morocco is a culturally rich country with many interesting activities to offer during the summertime. Here are the best events happening this June 2023, ranging from music festivals to stand-up comedy shows.

Gnaoua Festival – June 22-24

If you’re into art and music, a nice way to enjoy your summer days is by attending music festivals. Morocco offers a variety of festivals that not only highlight the Moroccan musical heritage but also showcase many renowned Western artists.

Amongst the most famous music festivals is Gnaoua Festival, happening from the 22 to the 24th of June 2023 in Essaouira, a city with a lot to offer historically, culturally, and aesthetically.

The festival offers a three-day authentic musical and cultural experience celebrating the traditional local Gnaoua art. It also offers educational workshops for youth who are eager to discover and know more about Gnaoua’s origins.

Gnaoua’s musical genre refers to melodies that relay healing and calm rituals. It traditionally combines classical islamic Sufism with African folk traditions. The Gnaouas usually sing and play various instruments like Guembri, a three stringed lute made from camel skin or “Tbel” which resembles drums. Moroccan Gnaoua music groups are very well known and perform in different squares and venues across the kingdom.

With the music genre’s rapidly growing fanbase, the festival regularly hosts an impressive number of attendees with over 120.000 people attending its previous edition.

Gnaoua Festival poster

Jazzablanca Festival of June 22-24

If you prefer Jazz music, another world-renowned festival is happening on the same weekend in the central city of Casablanca. Across its bustling streets and modern charm, the city introduces its festive side with the 16th edition of the International Jazz Festival.

The festival will take place in Anfa Place and is hosting multiple music genres such as pop, soul, rock as well as jazz. In addition to the musical performances, the festival will host a gaming space and a creator’s market featuring many local brands, as well as other socializing areas aiming to bring people together.

The public will enjoy a rich musical experience with Beth Hart, Mika, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Aloe Blacc, Mehdi Nassouli, Kamaal Williams, La Femme, Sarah McCoy, Sona Jobarteh, and other impressive artists.

Jazzablanca// Sife Elamine Orchestra poster

Stand-up comedy shows

Moroccan comedy shows are a great way to let go of your uptight personality and enjoy a humorous experience. Tackling several subjects, they set up the mood for an entertaining evening and contagious laughter.

Driss and Mehdi will perform their new special “Fifty Scene” on the 16th at the Megarama in Casablanca.

Fifty Scene with Driss and Mehdi on the 16th of June 2023 at Megarama Casablanca

Fifty scene with Driss and Mehdi poster

EKO “l7ooub” on the 17th of June 2023 at Mégarama Marrakech

The well known stand up comedian Eko is hosting his show titled “l7oub” in Marrakech this summer. The show reportedly took him four years to set up and uses satire to tackle tackles the different forms of love in our society.