Marrakech – The MOGA festival will bring big change to Essaouira in the first week of October. The first two days will be about discovery, cultural exchanges, pop-up happenings, immersive workshops, and ambient music scattered around the city. 

From hands-on workshops and trance-inducing Gnawa dances to surfing the waves and treasure hunts through the city, the two days invite visitors to flow, create, exchange, and explore in ways that awaken the body, mind, and spirit.

“Flow: Body and movement”

At MOGA Festival, movement becomes a form of meditation with yoga sessions designed to awaken the body and calm the mind. 

While guided meditation encourages presence and focus through gentle breathwork, sound healing experiences create an immersive atmosphere where vibrations soothe and energize simultaneously. 

Waacking dance workshops invite participants to explore sharp, expressive arm movements and dynamic rhythms. There are also Modern jazz dance classes that combine fluid improvisation with playful musicality. 

Not to mention sunset horse rides along Essaouira’s iconic coastline which offer a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, and surf sessions on the Atlantic waves allow festival-goers to connect with nature while embracing the freedom of movement.

“Sound: Music creation & rhythm”

For those drawn to the sonic side of MOGA, music production workshops provide hands-on opportunities to explore electronic music creation and sound design.

DJing sessions invite attendees to learn mixing techniques and experiment with turntables. Listening sessions immerse participants in curated tracks and eclectic rhythms from local and international artists. 

They will also  host live concerts and showcase a range of performances from intimate acoustic sets to electronic and fusion acts. Lively parties scattered throughout the city offer spontaneous spaces for dancing, connection, and celebration.

“Exchange: Words, ideas & sharing”

MOGA’s commitment to cultural dialogue comes alive through talks led by artists, musicians, and thought leaders who share insights on creativity, sustainability, and contemporary Moroccan culture.

You can also attend reading sessions that create spaces for literary exploration with authors, poets, and storytellers presenting their works in intimate settings.

The MOGA radio station invites festival-goers to experience live broadcasts, interviews, and curated playlists that connect the festival’s sounds and stories across the city.

“Roots: Tradition & culture”

Celebrating Moroccan heritage, MOGA offers hands-on guembri-making workshops where participants learn about the construction and sound of this traditional instrument.

Gnawa dance workshops immerse visitors in trance-inducing rhythms and collective movement inspired by centuries-old practices, and the Gnawa Soul Brunch combines local culinary delights with live music, storytelling, and a deep dive into the spiritual and musical roots of Essaouira, creating a unique sensory experience that honors tradition while connecting it to contemporary expression.

“Wonder: Play & discover”

MOGA invites curiosity and playful exploration through treasure hunts that lead participants through the winding medina streets discovering hidden art, surprises, and local secrets.

Beach cleaning initiatives allow festival-goers to engage with the environment and give back to the coastal community while connecting with others. Guided tours of Essaouira reveal the city’s rich history, architecture, artisan workshops, and vibrant markets, offering moments of discovery that extend beyond music and movement