Thing to do
Walk Tala’a Kebira
The main street of Fes el-Bali, running downhill from Bab Bou Jeloud past souks, workshops and madrasas to the Al-Attarine Madrasa near the Qarawiyyin.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
An annual festival founded in 1994 that brings sacred and spiritual music from many traditions to palaces, gardens and squares across Fes, usually in late spring.
At a glance
- Type
- Annual music festival
- Area
- Various venues, Fes, Morocco
- Official site
- fesfestival.com
Good to know
- Annual event
- Concerts
- Ticketed and free events
Why we recommend it
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is the city's best-known cultural event. It was founded in 1994 by Faouzi Skali, the president of the Spirit of Fez Foundation, with the aim of using music as a common language between cultures and faiths. It is held every year and has traditionally taken place in late spring or early June, running for about a week. The programme mixes concerts with talks and debates, and it often brings together performers from very different traditions, including joint performances of Muslim and Christian devotional music.
Over the years the festival has attracted an impressive roll call of artists, including Patti Smith, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Ravi Shankar, Miriam Makeba, Björk, Joan Baez, Kadim Al-Sahir and Sami Yusuf. The festival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic and has since returned.
Part of the appeal is the setting. Concerts have been held under the large oak tree in the garden of the Batha museum, in the vast courtyard of Bab Makina within the royal quarter of Fes el-Jdid, and in palaces and squares around the city, so the music is heard in some of the most historic spaces in Fes. Evening concerts in the open air, with the medina around you, are a memorable way to experience the city.
Dates are announced each year on the official website, fesfestival.com, which also handles programme details and ticket sales. Accommodation in the medina fills quickly during festival week, so book your riad well in advance and ask your hosts about getting to venues at night. Evening concerts can finish late, and taxis are in demand afterwards. Bring a light layer, as evenings can be cool even in early summer.
Even if you cannot attend, it is worth knowing about the festival when planning: the city is livelier and busier during festival week, and prices for rooms are usually higher. If you prefer a quieter visit, choose dates either side. For visitors who do come, a festival evening combines well with daytime sightseeing in the Batha area, the Al Batha Museum and the Jnan Sbil gardens close to Bab Bou Jeloud.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music FAQs
When is the festival held?
It is held annually, traditionally in late spring or early June. Dates are published each year on fesfestival.com.
Who founded it?
Faouzi Skali founded it in 1994 through the Spirit of Fez Foundation.
What kind of music is performed?
Sacred and spiritual music from many traditions, with concerts, talks and debates.
Where are the concerts held?
Venues have included the Batha museum garden, the courtyard of Bab Makina and other palaces and squares in Fes.
Which famous artists have performed?
Past performers include Patti Smith, Youssou N'Dour, Ravi Shankar, Miriam Makeba, Björk and Joan Baez.
How do I buy tickets?
Programme details and tickets are available through the official website.
Should I book accommodation early?
Yes. Riads in the medina fill quickly during festival week.
Was the festival ever cancelled?
It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.