Festivals

Each year villages here host a number of moussems (festivals) that are linked to the religious or agricultural calendar. These usually feature feasting, dancing, traditional music, and possibly a wonderful display of horsemanship called a fantasia. The downside is that they often don't have specific dates, so encountering one is largely a matter of luck. That said, there are a few festivals you can largely rely on: the Rose Festival of Kelaâ M'Gouna (Dadès Valley) in early May; the International Nomads Festival in M'hamid el Ghizlane (Drâa Valley) in mid-March; and the Erfoud Date Festival (Ziz Valley) in October. Check with the local tourist office or a nearby hotel for the exact dates about a month ahead of your visit.