Essaouira Gnaoua & World Music Festival

Where: Essaouira, Morocco

When: June, annually.  June 21-24, 2012

Cost: Free

Places To Stay: Essouira Hotels

Get ready to get your groove on!

The Essaouira Gnaoua & World Music Festival takes place in the town of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The picturesque town is the center of Gnawa music and hosts the festival each year in June.

Gnawa music has its roots in American blues and has branches including Haitian Voodoo and African magic, as well as Braziliam Candomble.  With drums as the primary instrument, the music also incorporates castanets and lutes, among other instruments.

Thousands of visitors attend the outdoor performances by top Gnawan musicians. Music performances often stretch late into the night.