The National Festival of Popular Arts brings together dozens of troupes from every region of Morocco: dances, songs, costumes and traditional instruments. It is one of the oldest festivals in the country, organised by the Le Grand Atlas association. Its heart is El Badi Palace, whose ruins serve as the stage for the evening shows. The 55th edition was held from 2 to 6 July 2026; the previous one took place from 3 to 7 July 2025.
Highlights
Evenings at El Badi Palace
Every evening of the festival, troupes follow one another in the palace's great courtyard, in front of its 16th-century rammed-earth walls. In 2026, the shows there started at 21:00. Other stages are set up around the city, such as at Bahia Palace and on the esplanade of the city hall.
Regional troupes
Ahwach from the South, Middle Atlas dances, songs from the Sahara: each group presents the traditions of its region. Foreign troupes are sometimes invited, such as Chinese and African ensembles in 2026. This old photograph shows a troupe in the El Badi courtyard at a past edition.
The opening parade
On the first evening, a large parade leaves the city hall on Avenue Mohammed V, passes through Jemaa el-Fna and ends at El Badi Palace. In 2026, it brought together more than 65 troupes in costume. In this old photograph, a troupe from the Ouarzazate region performs at a past edition.
Infos pratiques
Tips
In 2026, tickets for the evening shows were sold online on the Wanaut platform; the detailed programme is published shortly before the festival on its official website. For the parade, find a spot early along Avenue Mohammed V or near Jemaa el-Fna. The shows finish late: plan to return by petit taxi.
How to get there
El Badi Palace is in the southern medina, near Place des Ferblantiers, about 15 minutes on foot from Jemaa el-Fna. Petits taxis drop you nearby, at Place des Ferblantiers.
Opening hours
Nearby
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