Casablanca to Host the 13th Edition of the Gnawa Stars Festival Celebrating Heritage and National Events
The city of Casablanca is preparing to host the 13th edition of the Gnawa Stars Festival from August 21 to 23, 2025, at Place des Nations Unies, coinciding with the celebrations of the King and People’s Revolution and Youth Day.
This artistic and cultural event is organized in partnership with the Casablanca-Settat region and with the support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication – Cultural Sector.
The festival committee announces that this edition will be exceptional, celebrating both national occasions and honoring Gnawa music, one of Morocco’s most significant and recognized cultural heritages listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This ancient art form is a unique blend of music, spirituality, and deeply rooted Moroccan traditions.
This year’s edition features a powerful opening with Master Hamid El Kasri, a pillar of this art form, known for his commanding voice and skillful playing. He will present an inaugural performance on August 21 that combines dance creativity and ancient spiritual essences, providing festival-goers with a unique moment of celebration of Gnawa authenticity.
Reflecting its community-oriented nature, the festival offers free entry and is accessible to all, making it a unifying platform for generations and cultures to meet. The program includes workshops for children focused on Gnawa art, organized at the “Mouhib” center, along with an exhibition dedicated to local artisans in partnership with the “GeniusM” platform.
Through this event, Casablanca reaffirms its position as a vibrant center for the preservation of Gnawa heritage alongside the city of Essaouira, where master practitioners continue to pass on this art from one generation to the next, keeping its pulse and authentic spirit alive. The Gnawa Stars Festival serves as an opportunity to celebrate the essence of Morocco by honoring its culture, music, and living history in the heart of the economic capital.
