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Languages in Morocco
A Women’s Rally in the Sahara Desert Apr 11-26, 2025
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La Nuit d’Orient: A Cultural and Musical Celebration in Morocco
On March 21, 2025, the Maison Denise Masson in Marrakech will host a remarkable event—La Nuit d’Orient, a musical and poetic recital that brings together the rich cultural traditions of the Orient and the West. Starting at 9:30 p.m., this unique performance will feature a blend of French melodies, classical and modern Arabic poetry, and Arab-Andalusian music. The event promises to be a captivating experience that showcases the beauty of cultural exchange through music and art.
A Fusion of Music and Culture
La Nuit d’Orient will feature an exceptional lineup of artists: Jeff Cohen, a celebrated pianist; Nasser Houari, a skilled Moroccan lutenist; Mohamed El Mazzouji, an actor and artistic director; and a soprano, whose name will be revealed soon. The recital will present an eclectic mix of musical genres, seamlessly blending French classical music with Moroccan-Arabic musical traditions.
Performed in both French and Arabic, La Nuit d’Orient provides a rare opportunity to experience how music transcends language, connecting diverse audiences through its emotional depth and beauty. The recital aims to promote interculturality, bringing together audiences in a shared celebration of art.
By uniting French classical music and Arabic poetry, the event fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural ties that bind Morocco to the rest of the world. For foreign residents in Morocco, La Nuit d’Orient offers a valuable opportunity to experience local culture through a unique artistic lens. It allows expatriates to engage with Morocco’s cultural history while enjoying world-class performances that highlight the beauty of intercultural exchange.
A Unique Musical Experience
The recital promises a one-of-a-kind musical experience. The sounds of the piano, lute, and Arabic poetry will come together to create an atmospheric and deeply emotional evening. Arab-Andalusian music’s intricate melodies and rhythms will blend seamlessly with French classical compositions, offering an unforgettable auditory experience.
This fusion of musical styles highlights the beauty of cultural diversity and serves as a reminder of the shared human experience that unites us all, regardless of where we come from. The evening will feature songs and poetry that explore themes of love, beauty, and longing—universal topics that resonate with people from all backgrounds.
For foreign residents, La Nuit d’Orient is a chance to discover a new side of Morocco’s musical and poetic traditions, offering a deeper connection to the country’s rich cultural landscape.
Practical Information
La Nuit d’Orient will take place at the Maison Denise Masson in Marrakech, starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the French Institute of Marrakech and on Guichet.com. General admission tickets are priced at 80 dirhams, while members and those under 26 years old can purchase tickets for 40 dirhams.
This event offers an excellent opportunity to experience a night of world-class performances that celebrate both French and Moroccan musical traditions.
The changing duties of tours guides in Morocco
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The ‘Red City’ where sober tourism is booming
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The Marrakech English Book Festival is Back!
Mark your calendars! The 2025 edition of the Marrakech English Book Festival, supported by the British Council, is happening from Friday, 17th January to Sunday, 19th January.
Explore the Full Program:
The main festival program is now live: mebookfest.com/programme. All interviews and discussions with our esteemed authors will take place at the Museum of Confluences Dar El Bacha, from 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
A Stellar Line-Up of Authors
This year, we’re thrilled to present a diverse and inspiring roster of authors: From the USA, Laila Lalami and Mbarek Sryfi, with support from the CCME; from Paris, Casablanca-born, award-winning Abigail Assor; celebrated Moroccan novelist Mhani Alaoui, winner of the Costa Golden Book Award.
Joining us from the UK are bestselling authors Jane Johnson, Fiona Valpy, and Jane Green, alongside renowned historian Amira K. Bennison from Cambridge University. We’re also highlighting internationally celebrated Moroccan poets in a special focus on poetry. For the full list of participating authors, visit: mebookfest.com/authors
Festival Passes:
Free for university students (with valid Student ID).
250 Dh for non-students, which includes unlimited access to the enchanting Dar El Bacha Museum throughout the weekend.
No pass? No problem!
You can still join by purchasing a museum entry ticket on the day. Get your passes here: mebookfest.com/passes-tickets
Children’s Events:
We’re hosting two days of free, family-friendly events outside the main venue:
Saturday, 18th January: At the British Academy School Marrakech (BASM) in Targa.
Sunday, 19th January: At the Dar El Bellarj Foundation in the Medina, in partnership with ESAV.
Children’s authors and illustrators Puneet Bhandal, Mehrdokht Amini, and Hannah Ait Ahmed will captivate young audiences with their stories and illustrations on both days.
About the Marrakech English Book Festival
The 2025 edition of the Marrakech English Book Festival is a collaborative partnership between the Marrakech English Book Association and the British Council in Morocco.
The festival is co-hosted by our venue partners the Moroccan National Museums Foundation (FNM), who have allowed the festival events to take place at the historic Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, and our accommodation partners the JAAL Riad Resort Marrakech, who are graciously hosting all the festival’s guest authors.
The festival also enjoys the support of our corporate sponsors Travel Link Morocco, Aynnaka and the Rotisserie de la Paix.
The program of children’s events is made possible by the support of our partner the British Academy School Marrakech and the Foundation Dar Bellarj.
The MEBF is a celebration of Marrakech and Morocco as an inspiration for all genres of books published in the English language. This second edition of the MEBF will also inaugurate a new National Book Prize, The Costa Goldex Book Award, which will be awarded at a ceremony during the festival alongside the National Short Story Prize, organised by the Oliveseed Foundation and the Morocco Libraries Project.
Marrakech Story Telling Festival January 2025
A Tapestry of Tales: Marrakech to Host Global Storytelling Festival
Marrakech, Morocco – The enchanting city of Marrakech is set to become the epicenter of global storytelling from January 19th to 26th, 2025. Under the esteemed High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the third Marrakech International Storytelling Festival promises to be a celebration of diverse voices and cultural narratives.
The festival aims to foster intercultural dialogue, promote literary arts, and showcase the rich tapestry of human experiences through the art of storytelling.
A Royal Endorsement
The High Patronage bestowed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI signifies the profound significance of this event. It underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural exchange, artistic expression, and the preservation of diverse storytelling traditions. This royal endorsement serves as a powerful testament to the festival’s potential to not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
A Kaleidoscope of Voices
The Marrakech International Storytelling Festival will feature a diverse lineup of renowned storytellers, authors, poets, and musicians from around the globe. From ancient folktales to contemporary narratives, from gripping historical accounts to captivating personal anecdotes, the festival promises a rich and varied program that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Beyond the main stage performances, the festival will offer a series of engaging workshops and masterclasses led by acclaimed storytellers and literary experts. These interactive sessions will provide participants with valuable insights into the art of storytelling, from crafting compelling narratives to developing effective storytelling techniques.
A Celebration of Moroccan Culture
As a testament to Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, the festival will also showcase traditional Moroccan storytelling forms, including ḥikāyat (oral tales) and ahlal (musical storytelling). These performances will offer a unique glimpse into the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry and provide a platform for local artists to share their talents with a global audience.
Marrakech: A City of Enchantment
The choice of Marrakech as the host city for this global gathering is a testament to its unique cultural significance. Renowned for its captivating blend of Berber, Arab, and Andalusian influences, Marrakech has long been a crossroads of cultures and a melting pot of artistic expression.
The city’s vibrant souks, stunning architecture, and enchanting atmosphere provide an ideal setting for a festival that celebrates the power of storytelling to connect people and cultures.
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and connects us to our shared humanity. It is a powerful tool for fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
The Marrakech International Storytelling Festival aims to harness the power of storytelling to build bridges between cultures, promote intercultural dialogue, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
A Call to Action
The British Business Association Morocco invites all those who share a passion for storytelling to join us in this exciting endeavor. Whether you are a seasoned storyteller, a budding writer, or simply an avid listener, the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of narrative and celebrate the power of human expression.
For more information and to stay updated on the festival program, please visit:
- Marrakech City Council: https://www.ville-marrakech.ma/
- Moroccan Ministry of Culture and Communication: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Culture_and_Communication_%28Morocco%29
Join us in Marrakech from January 19th to 26th, 2025, as we embark on a journey of storytelling that will inspire, entertain, and connect the world.