- Travel Enthusiast
- May 24
- 5 min read
Updated: May 26
GNAOUA FESTIVAL 2025: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
From June 19 to 21, 2025, the coastal city of Essaouira, Morocco, will come alive with the rhythms of the 26th Gnaoua and World Music Festival. This vibrant event is a celebration of Gnaoua music — a rich blend of African, Berber, and Arabic traditions — and its fusion with global sounds.
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LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS - GNAOUA FESTIVAL 2025
This year's festival promises an eclectic mix of performances:
Maâlem Hamid El Kasri will open the festival with a powerful performance.
CKay, the Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, is set to electrify the stage.
Fusion Collaborations – Expect unique collaborations like Maâlem Houssam Gania with jazz drummer Marcus Gilmore, and Maâlem Morad ElMarjan with Tunisian oud virtuoso Dhafer Youssef.
Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou will join forces with Malian singer Rokia Koné, blending traditional Gnaoua with Malian melodies.
KEY DATES & EVENTS FOR GNAOUA FESTIVAL 2025
Mark your calendar – these are the key moments to catch throughout the three days of Gnaoua Festival 2025.
June 19 – Festival Kickoff
Opening ceremony in Moulay Hassan Square.
First headline concerts begin at sunset.
Night jam sessions kick off across the medina.
June 20 – Collaborations & Crossovers
Daytime workshops and artist talks.
Maâlem fusion sets (Gnaoua meets world music).
Evening performances featuring jazz, funk, and traditional African sounds.
June 21 – Grand Finale
Day concerts continue in beachside and medina venues.
Spiritual lilas (trance nights) with Maâlems in smaller venues.
Closing concert and fireworks over the ocean.
VENUE & ATMOSPHERE
The beauty of this festival is that music is everywhere – echoing through alleyways, spilling from rooftops, and rising with the ocean breeze. Essaouira becomes a living soundtrack, and these spots offer some of the most memorable moments:
Moulay Hassan Square – The heart of the festival with the biggest stage and most iconic performances.
Bastion Bab Marrakech – A more intimate venue for acoustic or crossover acts.
Zaouia Sidna Bilal – A sacred, spiritual space where Gnaoua’s roots come alive during mystical lila ceremonies.
Beachfront Jam Sessions – Unscripted and laid-back, with drums and dancing as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
More than just a music event, the Gnaoua Festival is a celebration of Morocco’s ancestral traditions fused with global sounds. Rooted in the spiritual music of the Gnaoua brotherhood – descendants of West African slaves – this UNESCO-listed cultural expression blends rhythm, chant, and trance.
Over three days, Essaouira transforms into a stage for cross-cultural collaboration, from jazz and reggae to flamenco and Afrobeat. Expect performances that move between the mystical and the experimental — many happening in public squares, historic venues, or pop-up stages along the ramparts.
TICKETS & ACCESS
There are a few different ways to experience the Gnaoua Festival, depending on how much access you want and how close to the action you’d like to be:
3-Day VIP Pass – 1,200 MAD (~€110) – Grants access to all the main stage concerts throughout the three days, with priority entry and dedicated VIP zones for better views and comfort. It’s ideal if you want the full experience without worrying about queues or crowded spots.
1-Day Passes – From 400 MAD to 600 MAD (~€37 to €54) – Perfect if you’re only in town for a day or want to catch a specific artist. These passes give access to the main stage concerts on your selected day, but do not include VIP perks.
Free Performances – Many of the concerts, especially those in public squares and beachfront areas, are completely free and open to all. This keeps the spirit of the festival accessible and inclusive, so even without a pass, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Tickets are available via the official festival website: festival-gnaoua.net. Early booking is strongly recommended – passes tend to sell out fast, especially the VIP ones.
WHERE TO STAY FOR GNAOUA FESTIVAL 2025
Accommodation in Essaouira fills up fast during the festival, especially traditional riads in the medina. Book early for the best selection and rates.
Best Options for Atmosphere & Walkability:
Riad Chbanate – Stylish and serene with modern touches, just a short walk from the action but tucked away enough for a restful stay.
Salut Maroc! – Boldly decorated with colorful mosaics and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the ocean – vibrant and unforgettable.
Riad Dar Maya – A boutique riad offering refined, minimalist design and a hammam, just steps from the main venues.
Riad Mimouna – Oceanfront views with traditional charm and a peaceful setting right on the edge of the medina walls.
Villa Maroc Essaouira – Elegant and full of character, with cozy courtyards and rooftop terraces overlooking the sea.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING GNAOUA FESTIVAL 2025
To make the most of your time in Essaouira during the festival, keep these practical tips in mind:
Arrive a day early – Essaouira gets busier by the hour once the festival begins, arriving early gives you time to settle in and explore the medina before the crowds.
Respect sacred spaces – Some lila rituals are deeply spiritual and not intended for casual viewing. Always ask before taking photos or recording.
Bring cash – Many vendors, cafés, and smaller venues do not accept cards. Having Moroccan dirhams on hand will save you time and hassle.
Prepare for cool evenings – Even in summer, Essaouira’s ocean breeze can get surprisingly chilly after sunset. A light jacket or scarf goes a long way.
Stay hydrated – With hours of music, walking, and dancing, it’s easy to forget – carry a reusable bottle or pick up water at local shops to stay refreshed throughout the day.
EXPLORE BEYOND THE GNAOUA FESTIVAL
The Gnaoua Festival fills Essaouira with rhythm and energy – but there’s more to this coastal gem than the music. You can stroll through the medina’s blue-trimmed alleys, shop for handmade crafts, or climb the ramparts of the Skala for sweeping views of the Atlantic. For a change of pace, you can take a short trip to Sidi Kaouki – quiet, windswept, and perfect for a walk along the shore.
If you're looking to explore beyond the Gnaoua Festival, our Essaouira Travel Guide is the ultimate companion. Packed with insider tips, must-visit attractions, and hidden gems, it’s your gateway to experiencing the city to the fullest.
