Moroccan cultural festivals conclude with record audiences

The 12th edition of the Mediterranean Festival in Nador ended on 2 August 2026, drawing more than 45,000 spectators. Performances featured artists Dunia Batma, Karam Rifi and the young singer Maria, and the event honored painter Mustafa Zoufri. A blood‑donation drive organized with the national blood agency also took place.

The 5th Tangier Summer Festival wrapped up on 31 July 2026 at Bab al‑Marsa, attracting tens of thousands. Highlights included a Knaoua ensemble led by Abdelkader Haddada, and shows by singers Sharifa Hassan, Mohamed Al‑Arabi, Yasser Emad, Hamza Sanhaji, Camelia Cheibi, Saida Sharaf and others. The festival was coordinated by the Tangier Grande Institution for educational, cultural, social and sporting activities.

The third edition of the Al‑Ayta Marsawiya folk‑song festival concluded in Mohammedia at the Al‑Aliya platform, showcasing folk artists such as Mustafa Al‑Milis, Tarik Five Stars, rising singer Amin Farhan and Ahmed Al‑Sba'i. The event also hosted an academic forum on the heritage of the ayta and a talent‑search competition, “Al‑Ayta Academy,” across several Moroccan cities. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in partnership with the Casablanca‑Settat regional council, the festival emphasized the preservation and modern reinterpretation of Morocco’s popular music traditions.