Festivals and Annual Events

The Casablanca Festival of Video Art explores the latest in video and multi-media installations. It also promotes the exchange of ideas by holding workshops and conferences for artists and anyone interested in the subject.

Urban Culture on Stage is a non-religious festival that promotes the talent of the city. The festival exhibits new musical genres that have become a significant part of the city over a period of time. This festival is generally hosted at the Zafzaf Cultural Center during March each year, making it a spring festival. At this festival, one can enjoy musical genres including hip-hop, fusion and rap.

A number of jazz musicians converge from around the globe to entertain thousands of visitors who descend on the city each April when the event takes place at the Megarama Cinema in Casablanca. One of Casablanca's most prestigious events on the social calendar, Jazzblanca is a must for lovers of all things jazz.

The Amazigh Theatre Fest is a fest with a difference. While it has all the usual attributes of theatrical production like speech, gesture, music, dance and sound all incorporated in a way universally accepted, it also has the unique distinction of being carried out in Berber, an ancient North African language which has been an integral part of Moroccan culture for centuries. The language continues to be used by many Moroccans even today. Alongside, traditional theatrical principles like masks, mimcry and puppetry also find their way at this festival.

Moussems are important gatherings to pay homage to saints. This veneration of saints goes against the principles of orthodox Muslims, nevertheless these celebrations continue with great fervor. An interesting event held every year in May is the “Mousseum of Sidi Mohammed Ma al-Ainin”, during which time tribes of nomads who wander the Sahara (known to some as the “Blue People”) gather and sell traditional clothing. Fantasias, dances, traditional costumes, processions and food all form part of the festivities.

The Boulevard des Jeunne Musicians is an yearly music festival contest which lasts many days. Four main categories are featured; Electro, Hip Hop, Rock and Roll/Metal and Fusion. Venue: Stade du C.O.C. Date: May Website: www.boulevard.ma

A celebration of all things Moroccan, the Casablanca Festival showcases local arts and music, and celebrations take place all over the city's public spaces, including cinemas, beaches, squares and streets. Look out for international artists and musicians, such as Craig David who will be performing this year.