essaouira gnaoua festivalThe annual Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival is a celebration of the mysterious music of the Gnaouas, the product of a mystic tradition with branches as widespread as Haitian voodoo and Brazilian Candomblé.
Artists appearing include the best musicians of the genre as well as performers from around the world. There are two main outdoor stages, three more in the medina, two for acoustic acts and two for late fusion/electro performances.
Starting from a cross-pollination of African magic and Islamic rituals, the Gnaoua brotherhoods form a structured unit around a master. He leads the music and dancing until the participants are in a trance induced by the mesmeric rhythms of the drums, the guenbri and the hand-held garagab). During religious ceremonies, Gnaouas have been known to impale themselves on swords or beat their heads with iron balls without sustaining visible external injury. However, the Essaouira Festival does not feature such extreme performances: the programme focuses on the purely musical elements of Gnaoua tradition and their influence on African-inspired musicians.
The Gnaoua Festival takes place annually in June. In 2009 the festival runs from 25th to 28 June. If you would like to be in Essaouira for this exciting festival, contact our tailor-made team who will be happy to organise a private tour which incorporates the event.
| 
