This celebration is set to transform Marrakech into a vibrant stage, where ancient sounds, poetic voices, and spiritual energy will bring Morocco’s cultural heartbeat to life.

Casablanca – Marrakech, the ancient and dynamic Moroccan city, is about to turn up the volume on its cultural heartbeat. 

This November 14-15, the city will host “Souffles: Sur l’écoute profonde et la réception active,” kicking off the 36th Bienal de São Paulo’s global “Invocation” series. 

With a focus on “Not All Travellers Walk Roads,” this Bienal merges Morocco’s rich history with the forward-thinking theme of “Humanity as Practice.”

The result? An epic lineup that explores the power of sound, breath, and tradition to bring people together.

Echoes and energy

The Bienal team has joined forces with Marrakech’s LE 18 and the Dar Bellarj Foundation to honor Morocco’s music and spiritual heritage. 

This event dives into everything from the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music to the ancient Sufi philosophies, all while spotlighting the art of listening as a spiritual practice. Here, Marrakech becomes more than a city – it’s a crossroad of stories, rhythms, and a pulse that connects people from all walks of life.

One of the key events features Moroccan artist Ghassan El Hakim and legendary Maalem Abdellah El Gourd. 

Together, they’ll take the audience on a journey through the soulful rhythms of Gnawa, a tradition that embodies resilience and unity, and which has grown to gain global recognition for its powerful beats and meaning.

The legacy of ‘Souffles’ Magazine

Another standout session focuses on “Souffles,” a revolutionary Moroccan magazine launched in 1966. 

Long before influencers and viral content, “Souffles” was pushing boundaries, giving voice to artists and activists challenging colonial power and celebrating Moroccan culture. 

Moroccan intellectual Kenza Sefrioui will explore how “Souffles” used poetry, art, and protest to reshape society. 

Sefrioui highlights how this iconic publication inspired a generation to reclaim their narratives and continues to fuel modern-day movements in Morocco.

Poetry, but make it deep

Poetry is in the DNA of Marrakech, and this event taps into that heritage. With live readings from Moroccan poets like Abdellatif Laabi and sessions by Alya Sebti, poetry becomes both personal and universal. 

These readings invite listeners into the rhythm and flow of Moroccan oral traditions, where stories aren’t just told -they’re felt.

From the soulful recitations to the haunting melodies of the guembri, a traditional Moroccan instrument, the event shows how poetry and performance continue to shape Morocco’s identity.

The Coolest Cultural Spaces You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

This isn’t just any art event – it’s taking place in two of Marrakech’s most iconic cultural hubs. 

LE 18, an artist space known for its collaborative vibe, and Dar Bellarj Foundation, a historic riad-turned-cultural-hub, serve as the perfect backdrops. 

These venues are where tradition and innovation collide, providing a stage for artists to experiment with local narratives within a global frame. 

LE 18 brings an experimental edge, while Dar Bellarj Foundation offers a more rooted, community-focused experience, bringing generations together through art and culture.

Why Marrakech’s sounds are worth tuning into

More than a lineup of performances, “Souffles: Sur l’écoute profonde et la réception active” is an invitation to listen – truly listen. 

Whether through the vibrations of a Gnawa beat or the silent impact of a shared moment, this Invocation encourages visitors to be part of Marrakech’s living cultural heritage. 

Each event promises not only to entertain but to connect, offering a rare chance to engage with Morocco’s rich soundscape and its legacy of human connection. 

This November, Marrakech won’t just be a host city; it’ll be a heartbeat, keeping time with the rhythms of both past and present.