Essaouira is known for Gnawa, but its musical identity is broader than one genre. Every spring, around the turn of May, the Printemps Musical des Alizés — "the musical spring of the trade winds" — fills the medina with chamber music, piano recitals and opera arias, played in the intimate halls and courtyards of the old town.
It is one of Morocco's most charming classical music festivals, and a lovely reason to visit Essaouira in spring.
When is the Printemps Musical des Alizés 2027?
The festival takes place over a long weekend at the end of April or beginning of May. The 2026 edition ran from 30 April to 3 May, opening with a concert at Dar Souiri. The 2027 dates had not been announced in October 2026; expect a similar period and check the official announcement in early spring.
What you will hear
The programme mixes chamber music — string quartets, piano trios, duos — with solo recitals and lyric singing. Performers include established international musicians and young Moroccan talents trained in the country's conservatories; past editions have featured matinees dedicated to young performers. The setting makes the difference: hearing Schubert or Ravel in a medina hall, with the sound of the sea outside, is unforgettable.
Where the concerts take place
Concerts are held at Dar Souiri, the cultural house of the Essaouira-Mogador association (see our Dar Souiri guide), and in other historic venues and riads of the medina. Spaces are small, so seats are limited: buy or reserve as soon as the programme is published, and arrive early.
Spring in Essaouira
Spring is our favourite season for visiting Essaouira: days often around 20–22°C, wild flowers in the argan countryside and long, light evenings. The trade winds return from April — the festival is named after them — so pack a windproof jacket. Our guide to the best time to visit Essaouira has the details.
Note that 1 May is a public holiday in Morocco: the town is busier that weekend, so book your accommodation early.
Combine it with other spring events
Spring 2027 is a good time to stay a few days longer:
- La Dolce Vita à Mogador, Italian cinema meetings, listed for 14–18 April 2027 — see our médiathèque and cinema guide.
- Wave Classic Moulay, the international windsurf competition at Moulay Bouzerktoun, listed for late April to early May — see our surf and kitesurf events guide.
The full year is in our Essaouira events calendar.
A spring weekend around the Printemps Musical des Alizés
- Day 1: arrive in the afternoon, walk the ramparts at sunset, and attend the opening concert.
- Day 2: morning at the port and in the medina, lunch of grilled fish, an afternoon recital in a riad or at Dar Souiri, then dinner on a rooftop.
- Day 3: a half day in the argan countryside — the hills are green and covered with wild flowers in spring — and a last concert before heading home.
Tips for concert-goers
- Book early: halls are small and the best concerts sell out.
- Arrive in good time: seating is often unnumbered.
- Dress smart-casual, with a layer for the evening breeze.
- Children are welcome at most daytime concerts and matinees for young performers; ask the organisers for evening concerts.
- Programmes are usually in French; the music speaks for itself.
The Printemps Musical des Alizés is one of the best-kept secrets of the Moroccan cultural calendar: a classical festival where you can talk to the musicians after the concert.
Who is the festival for?
The Printemps Musical des Alizés is perfect for music lovers who want something more intimate than a big concert hall, for couples looking for a cultural spring break, and for families curious to introduce children to classical music in a relaxed setting. You do not need to be an expert: the halls are small, the atmosphere is warm, and many concerts are short enough to combine with a day at the beach. It is also an easy festival to reach — a morning drive from Marrakech or a short transfer from Essaouira airport.
Where to stay
Choose a riad in the medina to walk to the concerts, or a beachfront hotel for calm and sea views. Our guide to where to stay in Essaouira compares the areas.
Getting there
- From Marrakech: our Marrakech to Essaouira transfer takes about 2 h 30 door to door, from €100 per vehicle for up to three passengers at the time of writing — perfect if you want to stop at an argan cooperative on the way.
- From Essaouira-Mogador airport: the airport transfer takes about twenty minutes, from €20.
- Back to Marrakech: book the Essaouira to Marrakech transfer for the day after the last concert.
Between two concerts, spring is the perfect time for our half-day excursion along the argan route and coast, when the countryside is at its greenest.
