- The Rose Festival in Morocco 🌹 is one of the country’s most beautiful and fragrant celebrations! Here’s everything you need to know:
🌸 Where
The festival takes place in El Kelaa M’Gouna (قلعة مكونة), a town in the Dades Valley, often called the Valley of Roses — located between Ouarzazate and the Todra Gorge in southern Morocco.
📅 When
Usually held every May, right after the rose harvest season — typically the first or second weekend of May.
Dates can vary each year depending on the bloom.
🌹 What Happens
The festival celebrates the rose harvest that perfumes the valley each spring. Events include:
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A parade with floats decorated with roses
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A “Miss Rose” competition 👑
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Traditional Berber music and dance performances
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Souks (markets) selling rose-based products like rose water, essential oils, soaps, and perfumes
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Local crafts and foods
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A joyful, colorful celebration that brings locals and travelers together
💧 About the Roses
The famous Damask roses were introduced from Damascus centuries ago. They’re handpicked at dawn and distilled into rose water — used for beauty, cooking, and rituals.
🚗 How to Get There
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From Marrakech: about 6–7 hours by car via Ouarzazate
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From Errachidia or Merzouga: about 5–6 hours
Many desert tours (Marrakech–Merzouga or Fez–Marrakech) stop in El Kelaa M’Gouna during the festival.
Would you like me to include travel tips or accommodation recommendations for the Rose Festival (like best riads, luxury camps nearby, or how to join a local tour)?