Rabat – Morocco is making history as the first Arab and African country to be honored at New York’s renowned SummerStage Festival, bringing the country’s diverse musical heritage to one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues.
The event, titled “Morocco: From Dakhla to Casablanca,” will kick off on Wednesday, July 15. at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
Doors are expected to open around 5:00 p.m. ahead of the performances.
The organizers promise to turn the Central Park into a hub that showcases Moroccan sounds, rhythms, and traditions, offering audiences a journey across the country’s rich cultural landscape.
Morocco’s Ministry of Culture will organize the event in collaboration with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad and Maroc Festivals.
The lineup will reflect the diversity that defines Morocco’s musical identity, featuring performances that blend Gnaoua, Hassani, Rock, and Electronic music, while highlighting the country’s ability to bridge tradition and modernity.
The event represents a milestone for Morocco’s growing cultural presence on the international stage, according to organizers. By becoming the first Arab and African nation to receive such recognition at the festival, Morocco is positioning itself as a cultural ambassador for both regions in one of the world’s cultural capitals.
“Morocco: From Dakhla to Casablanca” also illustrates the increasing role of culture in strengthening Morocco’s international influence. In recent years, Moroccan artists and musical genres have attracted growing interest abroad, finding audiences far beyond the kingdom’s borders and contributing to a broader appreciation of the country’s artistic heritage.
For one evening, the sounds of Morocco will echo through Central Park, introducing thousands of spectators to a cultural mosaic shaped by African, Arab, Amazigh, and Saharan influences.
The event also recalls the global enthusiasm surrounding Moroccan culture during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; millions of fans around the world embraced Moroccan traditions and identity. Images of Moroccan supporters celebrating alongside fans from different nationalities, waving flags, dancing to Moroccan music, and sharing moments of joy quickly spread across social media and international media outlets.
As Moroccan rhythms fill the heart of Manhattan, the event is expected to stand as more than a musical celebration.
