The ancient city of Fes, Morocco comes alive each year with the transcendent sounds of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, an extraordinary cultural celebration that has earned its reputation as the world’s leading festival dedicated to sacred music traditions. The 28th edition of this remarkable gathering will take place from Friday, May 16 to Saturday, May 24, 2025, bringing together diverse spiritual and musical expressions within the breathtaking backdrop of Fes’s thousand-year-old medina—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Established in 1994 following the Gulf War, the Fes Festival was created to celebrate religious diversity and foster cultural understanding through the universal language of music. What sets this festival apart is its authentic commitment to bringing together artists from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous spiritual traditions, all performing in historic venues that enhance the sacred nature of their art.
For travelers seeking genuine cultural immersion, expert local guidance from companies like Mint Tea Tours can transform your festival experience. As Morocco’s premier transportation and tour service, Mint Tea Tours specializes in helping international visitors navigate the festival with insider knowledge, comfortable transportation options, and customized itineraries that balance festival activities with broader Moroccan exploration.
What to Expect at the 2025 Festival
The 2025 edition promises to be particularly significant with its theme of “RENAISSANCES,” reflecting Morocco’s ongoing cultural renewal and the festival’s commitment to rejuvenating ancient musical traditions. Nearly 200 artists from more than 15 countries will present their work across multiple venues throughout the nine-day celebration.
Music Styles and Performances
The festival encompasses an impressive range of sacred musical traditions:
- Sufi Mysticism: Experience the hypnotic rhythms and spiritual intensity of Sufi music, including performances from the renowned Al Areej ensemble from the Sultanate of Oman
- Andalusian Classical: Discover the sophisticated musical heritage born from the cultural fusion of medieval Islamic Spain
- West African Spiritual Traditions: Featuring the mastery of Ghanaian harp artistry and the vibrant Zaouli Manfla dancers from Ivory Coast
- Indigenous Ceremonial Music: Including the powerful master drummers of Burundi
- Sacred Choral Works: From various religious and cultural traditions worldwide
The 2025 program will pay special tribute to African musical heritage, with performances from Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burundi, and the Comoros Islands. The festival will also spotlight Italian culture through a special connection with Florence, Fes’s sister city, celebrating the historical bridges between Mediterranean cultures.
Key Artists and Groups
- The Deba ensemble from Mayotte-Comoros Islands
- Sufi ensemble Al Areej from the Sultanate of Oman
- Mouride and Sufi poets from Senegal
- Master harpists from Ghana
- The Zaouli Manfla dancers of Ivory Coast
- Master drummers of Burundi
- A special Andalusian Night featuring classical Moroccan and Spanish musicians
Beyond the Concerts
The Fes Festival extends far beyond musical performances to offer a complete cultural immersion:
- Educational Forums: Daily roundtable discussions and lectures exploring the festival’s theme of renaissance and renewal
- Spiritual Workshops: Opportunities to learn about various meditation practices and sacred movement traditions
- Craft Exhibitions: Showcasing Morocco’s world-famous artisanal traditions
- Culinary Events: Featuring Moroccan and international cuisine with a focus on the slow food movement
- Film Screenings: Documentaries and features related to sacred music and cultural heritage
Festival Venues
What makes the Fes Festival truly magical is its historic setting. Performances take place in spectacular venues throughout the medina:
- Bab Al Makina: The grand square and former royal parade ground hosts the major evening concerts under the stars
- Bab Boujloud Garden: A serene garden setting for afternoon performances
- Jnan Sbil Gardens: Historic gardens hosting daytime events
- Various Riads and Medersas: Traditional Moroccan homes and ancient Islamic schools open their doors for special performances
Planning Your Trip for the Festival of Fes
Timing Your Visit
For the optimal festival experience, plan to arrive in Fes at least one day before the opening ceremonies on May 16, 2025. This allows time to settle in, explore the medina, and prepare for the intense schedule of performances. While the entire nine-day festival is worth experiencing, visitors with limited time might focus on the first weekend (May 16-18) or the final weekend (May 22-24), when the most prominent performances typically take place.
The weather in Fes during May is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C), making it ideal for both outdoor performances and exploring the city. However, it’s wise to pack layers, as evenings can cool significantly.
Getting to Fes
Fes is well-connected to international destinations and major Moroccan cities:
- By Air: Fes-Saïs Airport receives direct flights from major European cities including Paris, London, Barcelona, and Madrid. For travelers coming from North America or Asia, connecting through Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is usually the most convenient option.
- By Train: Morocco’s excellent rail network connects Fes to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech with comfortable, frequent service on ONCF trains. The high-speed Al Boraq train provides rapid connections from Tangier.
- By Bus: Several companies operate comfortable coach services to Fes from other Moroccan cities.
- Private Transport with Mint Tea Tours: For the most comfortable, secure, and personalized travel experience, Mint Tea Tours offers direct private transfers to Fes from any location in Morocco. Our professional, multilingual drivers provide door-to-door service in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, eliminating the stress of navigating public transportation while offering valuable cultural insights along the journey. This option is highly recommended for festival attendees who value convenience, flexibility, and a higher level of service during their Moroccan experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
Ticket Types and Purchasing Options
The Fes Festival offers several ticket categories to accommodate different preferences and budgets:
- Festival Pass: Provides access to all main concerts and most supplementary events throughout the 9-day celebration. This premium option offers the best value for visitors planning to attend multiple performances.
- Evening Concert Tickets: Available for individual headline performances at Bab Al Makina and other major venues.
- Afternoon Concert Series: More affordable tickets for the daytime performances held in intimate venues throughout the medina.
- Forum Pass: Grants access to the intellectual component of the festival, including lectures, panels, and educational workshops.
Tickets can be purchased through several channels:
- Official Festival Website: The most reliable method for international visitors, allowing advance booking with credit cards.
- Festival Box Office: Located at the Fes Festival headquarters in the city, open from March 2025.
- Partner Hotels: Many upscale accommodations in Fes offer concierge ticket services for guests.
- Mint Tea Tours Package: Comprehensive festival packages including transportation, accommodation, and premium tickets are available through Mint Tea Tours.
It’s strongly recommended to secure tickets well in advance, especially for headline performances which regularly sell out. The most sought-after concerts typically include opening night, the Andalusian Night, and closing ceremonies.
Festival Schedule Management
The festival runs daily from morning until late evening, making strategic planning essential:
- Morning (9am-12pm): Attend forum discussions and educational sessions
- Early Afternoon (2pm-5pm): Explore smaller concerts in riads, gardens, and intimate venues
- Late Afternoon (5pm-7pm): Take a refreshment break and rest before evening events
- Evening (8pm-11pm): Experience the major headline performances at Bab Al Makina
For optimal enjoyment:
- Review the complete program and mark priority performances.
- Balance high-energy evening concerts with more contemplative daytime experiences.
- Build in rest days if attending the full festival—the intensity of continuous performances can be overwhelming.
- Consider travel time between venues, especially when moving between the new city and the medina.
How the Festival Connects Cultures
Promoting Peace and Understanding
At its core, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music embodies a profound mission that extends far beyond entertainment. Founded during a time of global tension following the Gulf War, the festival deliberately positions itself as a platform for cultural dialogue through artistic expression.
The “RENAISSANCES” theme for 2025 continues this tradition by celebrating renewal and rebirth across different cultural contexts. By showcasing sacred music from diverse religious traditions in a predominantly Muslim country, the festival creates rare opportunities for audiences to experience spiritual expressions that transcend political boundaries.
Morocco’s unique position—geographically connecting Africa, Europe, and the Middle East while historically bridging Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions—makes Fes an ideal location for this cultural exchange.
Cross-Cultural Collaborations
The festival has established a remarkable track record of bringing together artists who might otherwise never share a stage:
- In previous editions, Jewish Andalusian orchestras performed alongside Arab musicians, reviving their shared musical heritage from medieval Spain.
- Persian mystical singers have collaborated with Western classical choirs, creating unprecedented musical fusions.
- West African griots have joined Irish Celtic musicians to explore the connections between their storytelling traditions.
- Japanese Buddhist monks and Moroccan Sufi brotherhoods have discovered rhythmic and tonal parallels in their devotional practices.
The 2025 edition will highlight the special relationship between Fes and Florence, two cities with a formal twinning agreement, through collaborative performances celebrating Italian and Moroccan cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates for the 2025 festival?
The 28th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music will run from Friday, May 16 to Saturday, May 24, 2025. Opening ceremonies typically begin on the evening of the first day, while closing performances conclude late on the final night.
How can I buy tickets for the events?
Tickets become available approximately three months before the festival through the official website. International visitors are strongly advised to purchase tickets online in advance, as popular performances sell out quickly. The festival also maintains a physical box office in Fes for last-minute availability and in-person customer service.
Are there free events during the festival?
Yes, the festival includes numerous free components, including:
- Select performances in public spaces
- Children’s programming in the Jnan Sbil Gardens
- Educational exhibitions
- Some forum discussions
- Street musicians and performers throughout the medina
These free events make the festival accessible to everyone while creating a celebratory atmosphere across the entire city.
Is the festival suitable for children and families?
The festival welcomes attendees of all ages, with specific programming designed for families. Afternoon performances in garden settings are particularly appropriate for children, while evening concerts may run too late for younger attendees. The festival typically offers dedicated children’s workshops focused on instrument-making, singing, and rhythm exploration.
What languages will the performances and talks be in?
Music performances require no specific language skills to appreciate. For forum discussions and educational components:
- Primary languages are Moroccan Darija, Arabic, French, and English
- Major presentations offer simultaneous translation through headsets (typically available for an additional fee)
- Program notes for performances are provided in multiple languages
- Mint Tea Tours can arrange private interpreters for visitors requiring assistance in other languages
How accessible is the festival for people with disabilities?
While Fes’s medieval medina presents inherent accessibility challenges due to its narrow streets and steps, the festival works to accommodate visitors with mobility needs:
- Main venue Bab Al Makina offers accessible seating areas
- Modern venues outside the medina are generally wheelchair accessible
- Special transportation and assistance can be arranged with advance notice
- Accommodations in the new city typically offer better accessibility than traditional riads
Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact the festival office at least one month in advance to arrange necessary accommodations.
What are the dining options near festival venues?
Festival venues are surrounded by excellent dining options:
- Near Bab Al Makina: Several upscale Moroccan restaurants offer pre-concert fixed menus
- Within the Medina: Countless traditional restaurants serve local specialties
- Riad Restaurants: Many guest houses welcome non-residents for meals in atmospheric settings
- Festival Food Stands: Quality vendors offer quick options between performances
- New City: International cuisine options for those seeking variety
Many restaurants extend their hours during the festival to accommodate post-concert dining. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially at premium establishments.
Can I meet the artists or attend workshops?
The festival creates numerous opportunities for deeper engagement:
- Artist Q&A sessions follow many performances
- Master classes with selected musicians (requiring advance registration)
- Workshops on instrument-making, vocal techniques, and musical theory
- Reception events where audiences and artists mingle (some requiring special tickets)
These interactive elements provide meaningful connections beyond passive listening, transforming the experience from mere entertainment to genuine cultural exchange.
Conclusion
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music 2025 represents far more than a series of concerts—it offers a transformative journey into the heart of human spiritual expression across cultures. By bringing together ancient traditions and contemporary interpretations in Morocco’s most storied imperial city, the festival creates an unparalleled environment for both artistic appreciation and personal reflection.
In a world often defined by division, the Fes Festival stands as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, expressed through the universal language of music. The 2025 “RENAISSANCES” edition promises to continue this vital tradition, inviting visitors to participate in a celebration that honors both ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity in one of the world’s most authentic cultural destinations.
