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One of the most attractive towns of Morocco, Essaouira is located on an idyllic
setting between the Atlantic Ocean and a dune forest and the town boasts of diverse
ethnic, religious and social groups coexisting peacefully amid its boundaries.
Entertainment in Essaouira can be in the form of indulging in various activities
like Windsurfing, camel Excursions, Horse Riding, etc. You can also embark upon
some shopping at the local markets in Essaouira whereby you'll find some local
handicrafts goods like wood items which are available at pretty reasonable prices.
There are some open-air concerts held in Essaouira, keeping the historic ramparts
of Essaouira as a backdrop.
Among the festivals of Essaouira, the Gnawa Festival (Festival Gnaoua) - held
in June every year, is the most popular. It is a 4-day festival which celebrates
the music of the descendants of African slaves of Morocco. This festival offers
tourists with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the music of the Gnaoui people
and the fusion of Gnaoua music with contemporary music forms like Jazz, Reggae,
Blues, Rock, Hip Hop and Trance. Gnawa Festival is very popular with the youth
population and features chiming cymbals and twangy string instruments complementing
trancelike vocals. This is the perfect occasion to explore the music and culture
of South Morocco.
Another form of entertainment in Essaouira is the traditional Moroccan Chaabi
song style which can be heard at parties and celebrations throughout the town.
Essaouria is also famous for its unique dance style, which is a wonderful blend
of Greek, Roman, Spanish, Jewish, and Arabic traditions developed over centuries.
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