THE FESTIVAL STAGES

A l’approche de chaque rendez-vous musical, Essaouira prépare ses lieux, ses murs, sa magie à accueillir la musique comme il se doit.

Pendant le Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde, c’est toute la ville qui respire les sonorités de l’Afrique, du monde, à chaque ruelle, à chaque rempart.

De la scène principale, à la scène de la plage, en passant par les lieux intimistes de la médina … à chacun son festival !

Bayt Dakira

Bayt Dakira bears witness to Essaouira's Judeo-Muslim past, the exceptional destiny of the Jews of Mogador, and their relations with the Muslim populations, which have always been rich and benevolent.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Dar Souiri

This riad was built in 1907 inside the ramparts that were home to the Provincial Authority Administration during the protectorate. Today, it is the headquarters of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, and a space entirely devoted to culture.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Moulay Hassan Stage

This stage overlooks the city, located mid-way between the beach and the medina for maximum audiences. No need for a map to find Moulay Hassan, just follow the crowd, and perk an ear to listen for the music.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Zaouia Issaoua

The sacred codes of traditional music are not to be forgotten, and Zaouia Issaoua is here to remind us. This religious structure is the burial site for the founding saints, and is synonymous with contemplation and spirituality.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Borj Bab Marrakech

Historic monument and high temple of exhibitions and artistic events, the walls of Borj Bab Marrakech will welcome residences and fusion concerts.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

ZAOUIA SIDNA BLAL

The spiritual birthplace of Gnaoua, Sidna Bilal Zaouia is home to one of the oldests Moroccan brotherhoods in the city of Essaouira, built upon the founding myth of Gnaoua, the divine Baraka of Sidna Bilal, the slave freed by the prophet Sidna Mohammed, who made him the first muezzin of Islam. This sanctuary has played a very important role in the preservation and perpetuation of Gnaoui rite and ritual in both processional and confessional aspects.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Beach Stage

The stage for concert regulars, the Beach Stage programme is as eclectic as it is diverse. This is the place for groups and headliners who will perform solo concerts, to hear funk, soul, hip hop or reggae.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024

Bayt Dakira

Bayt Dakira témoigne du passé judéo-musulman d’Essaouira, de la destinée exceptionnelle des Juifs de Mogador, de leurs relations avec les populations musulmanes, qui ont toujours été riches et bienveillantes.

Festival Gnaoua Essaouira 2024