Reviews of Holidays and Hotels in Morocco - Twelve Top Trips
The Guardian, 1 January 2008
12 top trips for 2008
Plan your travel diary with Chris Madigan's month-by-month guide to some of this year's most exciting destinations and events.
June: Morocco
The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira is one of the most interesting musical happenings in the world. It may not be quite as extreme or remote as Mali's Festival du Desert, since it is based in the Mediterranean coastal town; but it is centred upon Gnaoua music, a hypnotic sound associated with animism and based on lute, drums and chanting. One song can last an hour and be accompanied by acts of self-harm that would put an emo kid to shame. However, artists from around the world also appear - Salif Keita, Youssou N'Dour and The Wailers have all played there. Essaouira has a medina, riads, craft shops, influence from traders from around the world - everything you want from a North African holiday spot.
Travel: The Best Of Morocco offers packages during the festival.
