National Festival of Popular Arts: 16-24 July, 2010

The 45th National Festival of Popular Arts will be taking place in Marrakech from 16th to 24th July 2010. The entire city will celebrate the cultures of various regions in Morocco through dance, poetry, music, etc. For nine consecutive days, Marrakech will welcome all the traditional arts of Morocco. Stages will spring up all around the city, in Bab Ighli, Douar Akioud, Jnana El Harti, the Palais Badii and the Théâtre Royal. The festival pays tribute to all regions of Morocco through a wide-ranging artistic program reflecting the diversity of the kingdom’s musical heritage: traditional, Chaâbi, Moroccan song, Amazigh, the Aïta and new generation pop art.

Discover dances reserved for couples about to be married, a tradition in the Middle and High Atlas mountains! Allow yourself to be enchanted by the Guedra, the mysterious female dance of the Souss and Southern regions! Dance to the beats of hunting and warrior initiation rites from the North-east and Central regions. And let yourself be charmed by the singing troubadours typical of the Marrakech region. Nine days to discover all of these specific regional cultures! Book your accommodation now at Marrakech riad Dar Zaman to avoid disappointment!

National Festival of Popular Arts: 16-24 July, 2010

Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira: 24-27 June, 2010

The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival celebrate the mysterious music of the Gnaouas and other worldwide rhythms from 24-27 June, 2010.

Essaouira gnaoua festival performances are in the afternoons and evenings, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the idyllic charm of Essaouira by day. It is one of the major festivals in Morocco.

Essaouira is three hours from Marrakech by hire car or with CTM or Supratours coach companies.

Marrakech riad Dar Zaman will be happy to assist with travel and accommodation reservations.

Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira: 24-27 June, 2010

Marrakech Swimming Pools

Oasiria Marrakech Swimming Pool  This one is for the kids and the young at heart. When the city gets too much, jump in a taxi or the free shuttle bus and take the 15 minute journey to Oasiria, Marrakech's favourite swimming pool. There are various slides, a wave pool, a calm swimming pool, two lagoons for younger kids and an assortment of cafes and restaurants.

Marrakech Swimming Pools

Casablanca-Tangier TGV 2015

Morocco’s Railway office (ONCF) has earmarked MAD 20 billion for the Casablanca-Tangier high speed train (TGV) which is due to be operational in 2015.

The new train will reduce travel time between Casablanca and Tangier by half, from 4 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes. Construction works will start in June 2010.

Casablanca-Tangier TGV 2015

Cooking classes in Marrakech

What better way to preserve and re-live the memories of your trip to Marrakech than to take home the secrets of how to cook your favourite Moroccan tagine? There are a couple of places Dar Zaman can recommend for cooking classes in Marrakech. They're both tried and tested by numerous previous guests. Both offer a similar itinerary - shopping in the souks prior to preparing various appetisers and main courses, then cooking and finally eating everything! Our two recommendations are Souk Cuisine and Dar Attajmil. Souk Cuisine has a comprehensive website, Dar Attajmil actually has no reference at all to their cooking classes on their website, but they do exist, and for 50 euros per person. If you're booking to stay at Dar Zaman we can book the classes for you.

Cooking classes in Marrakech

Not to miss in Marrakech

The Kasbah du Toubkal is located just 75km from Marrakech (one hour twenty minutes by car), at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. You can come here for lunch and spend a few dreamy hours, or stay for a week and hike in the valleys or even hike to the peak of Mount Toubkal. The scenery is stunning, the warm and welcoming hospitality authentic Berber. With streams, waterfalls and several Berber villages tucked around the sides of the valley, you can explore the area at leisure. Dar Zaman will be happy to organise a day trip or overnight stays on your behalf.

Not to miss in Marrakech

Our policy regarding the Iceland volcanic ash cloud

Book with confidence! For travel from 17 May - 31 Aug, 2010 Dar Zaman riad Marrakech will not impose any cancellation penalties if your flight is cancelled as a direct result of the volcanic ash cloud. Book with complete confidence at riad Dar Zaman.

Our policy regarding the Iceland volcanic ash cloud