Morocco Sightseeing Attractions

MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SITES

You will be fascinated by the masterpieces in the Museum of Moroccan Art housed in the palatial Dar El Makhzen in Tangier, the superb Roman mosaic of the Three Graces in the Archaeological Museum in Tetouan, the sublime Dar Jamai Museum in Meknes, the not-to-be-missed Rabat archaeological Museum, the Oudayas Museum with its exceptional collection of carpets, the superb Moroccan ceramics in the Dar Batha Museum in Fes or the sumptuous Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakesh…Morocco abounds with museums overflowing with treasures.

Civilization in Morocco goes back to prehistoric times – thirty centuries that have included Roman, Berber and Arab cultures. This rich past has left impressive ruins at Larache, Lixus, Cotta, Banasa or Volubilis and some surprising cave dwellings at Tarraga, Tamegoul, Merkala, Taourirt, Erfoud, Taous and, the most impressive, Foum El Hassan.

FOLKLORE

Traditions and folk art remain very much alive in Morocco. Music is present everywhere in the country, accompanying festivities and ceremonies. In the towns, it has developed into an instrumental form. This is traditional classical or popular Arab music. In rural or Berber tribes, music is intimately linked with poetry and dance. The folk dances are magnificent and accompany the tribes' everyday life. These are the most important ones:

• The Ahouach in the valleys of the High Atlas: The women form a circle around men playing tambourines.
• The Ahaidous of the Middle Atlas: Men and women in a circle beat out the rhythm in turn by stamping on the ground.
• The Guedra from southern Morocco: The dancer is on her knees, totally covered by a black veil. A throbbing rhythm builds as the dancer's fingers weave and transfix the audience which goes into a trance.
• The Tissint de Tata (from south of Agadir): Women and men dressed in indigo perform the dance of the dagger.
• The Gnaouas are of African origin: Against an obsessive rhythm, the dancers rival each other with acrobatic feats.
• The Taskiouine from the High Atlas close to Ouarzazate: A dance of warriors, powerful and virile. Dressed in white tunics, a powder flask on their shoulders, the dancers beat out the rhythm with their feet and clap their hands energetically.
• The Kelaa M'Gouna – is not to be missed during the Rose Festival every year during the month of May.
• Al Aita, authentic rural art from the valleys and the mountains which accompanies weddings, moussems and popular festivities.

FESTIVITIES AND MOUSSEMS

Festivities mark the seasons, celebrating local resources. Festivals are dedicated to popular art and tradition. The moussems are large gatherings paying homage to a holy man. Miss no opportunity to join in any festivities. You will be able to admire the fantasias, dances, singing, the traditional costume and you can take part in the processions and feasting.

These events are often dependent upon local occasions (harvests) or the lunar calendar. It is therefore impossible to give the dates far in advance.

FESTIVITIES AND FESTIVALS

• Almond Tree Festivities – Tafraout – February
• Rose Festival – El Kelaa M'Gouna – May
• Festival of Wax – Sale – Mouloud
• Cherry Festival – Sefrou – June
• Festival of Folk Art – Marrakesh – June
• Festival of World Sacred Music – Fes – June
• International Festival of Rabat – June
• Camel Festival – Guelmim – July
• Festival of Popular Music – Saidia – August
• Asilah Cultural Festival – August
• Date Festival – October
• The Wedding Moussem of – Imilchil – August/September
• Horse Festival – Tiss (Fes) October

MAJOR MOUSSEMS

• Moulay Abdallah Moussem – El Jadida – August
• Moulay Idriss Moussem – Zerhoun (near Meknes) – September

THE FANTASIAS

An extraordinary war exercise, in which men on horseback perform the most extraordinary acrobatic feats and fire their "moukhala" (old powder-charged rifles) during a frantic gallop, all in perfect synchronization.

Morocco Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Morocco.

Learn about the history and culture of Morocco, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Morocco's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Morocco for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Morocco tours today!

Extend your Trip

After your Morocco tours, why not consider one of Goway's Europe Tours

Book your Morocco tour with Goway! 

AfricaExperts is the exclusive division of Goway that specializes in planning and organizing Morocco tours and experiences. Choose from a locally escorted tour, a stay of distinction, an independent travel module, a small group tour and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Morocco.