EVENTS & FESTIVALS 2017-2018
Marrakech Marathon
January 29, 2017
Patronised by the King himself, Marrakech’s annual 42km marathon attracts over 8000 athletes from around the world for a fast-paced race around the medina ramparts and through the swaying palms of the Palmeraie. A 21km half marathon is also run at the same time for kids and lesser mortals.
Marrakech Biennial (every two years)
February-May, 2018
A cross between the Venice Biennale and the Edinburgh Film Festival, Marrakech’s bi-annual contemporary art fair showcases not only art, but film, literature and music. With an aim to building bridges through culture the multi-month event attracts artists from around the world and asks them to ponder a timely thematic question. The resulting artwork, installations, workshops and conversations then unfold throughout the city.
FIA WTCC Race of Marrakech
April 7-9, 2017
It may not be Monza, but this three-day grand prix is part of the World Touring Car Championship and the largest event of its kind in Africa. This year, on a brand new grade-2 track designed by Hermann Tilke, over a hundred supercars will slog it out in four racing series. With much-loved Moroccan driver Mehdi Bennani in the race the home crowd will be out in force.
Marrakech Laugh Festival - Marrakech du Rire
28 June - 2 July 2017
Marrakech welcomes a big comedy festival organized by Jamel Debbouzze, a French comedian. More than 20 renowned comedians, actors and singers perform each year representing France, Belgium and Morocco.
TEDx Marrakech
October 21, 2017
Like any self-respecting cultural capital, Marrakech now has its own TEDx talk-fest, where Marrakshi movers and shakers take on challenging themes and share some amazing life stories. Speeches, which take place at the Es Saadi Palace hotel, are interspersed with networking breaks and live music.
Marrakech International Film Festival
December 2017
Founded in 2001, the Marrakech Film Festival now has a firm footing in the international awards calendar. The festivals interesting, art-house programming and high-quality international juries (which included Martin Scorsese in the past) ensure that the award ceremony constantly turns up new talent. During the festival, the Djemaa el-Fna is turned into an open-air cinema.
