Long sunny days, with steadily rising temperatures, make the month of May one of the most popular times of year for visiting Marrakech and southern Morocco. Averages of 25° to 30° are the norm, with up to 10 hours of daily sunshine. Overcast days are minimal, as is rainfall.
For many, this is an ideal time to visit Marrakech, not only for the wonderful climate and the attractions of the city itself but for the chance to explore the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains or the coastal towns and villages along the Atlantic coast and many historic sites in between. Among many activity options one may choose to admire the Ochre City from the lofty heights of a hot air balloon or enjoy a round or two of golf at one or more of the city’s dozen courses, most of which offer challenging golf (with lots of sandy bunkers as well as water features). At the same time, you will be treated to spectacular views of the distant Atlas Mountains, snow-capped from December to April.
Here is our selection of top May events taking place in a typical year although, sadly, there being nothing typical about 2021 most of the events described below have had to be postponed or cancelled.
The Rose Festival
The most important May event by far is the annual Festival of Roses which takes place close to the picturesque fortified village of Kalaa M'Goun, within sight of the soaring peaks of the High Atlas, in the ‘Valley of the Roses’. Here, some 80 kms north east of the former garrison town of Ouarzazate, a three-day festival to celebrate the rose harvest features Berber song and dance, exhibitions of remarkable equestrian skill and swordsmanship, a camel show, a grand parade with decorated floats, plus the crowning of the Rose Queen.
Known first and foremost as the rose capital of Morocco, the village of Kalaa M'Goun stands in a picturesque location on the river Dadès overlooking a beautiful oasis in which rose beds extend as far as the eye can see. Throughout the year one can visit the distilleries which turn tonnes of rose petals into rose water (one distilled litre of which is the product of 1.5 kg of petals), soap and various other cosmetic related products.
Here, the rose is not only the symbol of hospitality (guests are given roses before and after meals), it also symbolises purity and is used, once the flowers have been distilled into deliciously perfumed rose water, to perform one’s ablutions. For more details visit: Festival of Roses
Other events to consider during a visit in May include
Mawazine Festival
This cultural event takes place every year in Rabat, the Moroccan capital on the Atlantic coast, towards the end of the month and running into June. The varied programme features concerts of contemporary music by internationally renowned artists as well as street entertainment and exhibitions of local art. Though quite a distance north of Marrakech, the capital city is comfortably accessible via an efficient rail service, the journey being quite a fascinating experience in itself for the chance to admire the changing nature of the Moroccan landscapes. For more detailed information visit: Mawazine Festival
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
An annual 4-day event held simultaneously in different locations: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and El Jadida. Commencing in early May, this exciting festival offers the chance to take in shows by performers from around the world drawn from a variety of artistic genres including street entertainers and musical groups, human circus and puppet shows. Visit: Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Gnaoua & World Music Festival
In mid-May Essaouira, a delightful coastal town and fishing port some two hours west of Marrakech, hosts the Gnaoua & World Music Festival. Attracting thousands of visitors, the festival includes free public concerts featuring some of Morocco's finest Gnaoua musicians and a number of international acts. More information concerning this event can be found at: Gnaoua and World Music Festival
Babyboomer's Adventure Rally
One event that is expected to happen in 2021 is the twelfth running of this 7-day fun rally rescheduled to take place between 16th and 25th November. Starting and finishing in Marrakech, the rally was originally conceived for motorists of the baby boomer generation although nowadays the event is open to all. Entrants can choose between two main categories, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, respectively, built before 1995. Described as ‘a light-hearted, sightseeing event’ taking in some of Morocco's most scenic landscapes and mountain routes, the rally’s eventual winners are decided not only by who reaches the finish line first but by which car (and driver) is considered to be 'best dressed' for the occasion. Vehicles, including Renault 4s, can be hired by those wishing to participate in this thoroughly enjoyable and informal event. For more info (French only!) visit: Baby Boomers Rally
World Sacred Music Festival
Fez. The 25th running of this major cultural event, usually taking place in May/June, has been rescheduled to October. Over eight days the festival puts on around 60 shows, some of them free to attend, bringing together renowned singers, musicians and dance troupes from Morocco and around the world. Performances are given in a variety of locations throughout the ancient city of Fes, often referred to as the cultural capital of Morocco. Previous festivals have featured dancers and musicians from Ireland, India, Turkey and Spain, among many other countries, operatic singers from Europe and North America and musicians from around the world. In its time the festival has attracted artists as famous as Joan Baez, Ravi Shankar, Jesse Norman and Paco de Lucia. More information can be found at: Fes Festival
Trans Atlas Marathon
The toughest footrace in Morocco, this is a gruelling endurance event attracting extreme runners from around the world. Planned over six stages, the route takes the athletes (around 100 of them, accommodated in bivouac sites and hostels) right across the High Atlas which mark the transition between coastal and desert climates.
The event is organised by two Moroccan brothers, both well know international athletes who have excelled numerous times in the famous ‘Marathon des Sables’. Transport is laid on to transfer runners to the starting point each day. There are two categories of entry: the Trans Atlas Ultra Marathon (280 kms) and Trans Atlas Challenge (120 kms), the shorter event being for those who, while wishing to experience the beauty of the mountain scenery and the camaraderie of the event itself, lack the physical fitness required to complete the full course. For more info visit: Trans Atlas Marathon