Fez — Marrakech will host the third edition of “Marrakech Fait Son Cirque” (Marrakech Puts on Its Circus) from May 29 to 31, bringing together circus artists from Morocco, Burkina Faso, France, and Guinea.
Organized by Collectif Éclats de Lune, in partnership with the Centre Culturel des Étoiles de Jemaa El Fna and the Marrakech Institut Français de Marrakech, the festival will mix performances, workshops, and professional meetings focused on the future of contemporary circus in Africa.
The Marrakech Institut Français has also confirmed the festival dates and described the event as a colorful edition featuring Moroccan and international troupes across several venues in the city.
A program rooted in Marrakech’s street culture
The festival opens on Friday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Marrakech Français de Marrakech with “Souffle” by “Compagnie Dafra” from Burkina Faso.
The acrobatic work addresses violence and conflict affecting children. Between circus and choreography, it transforms bodies and objects into symbols of resistance, hope, and freedom.
On Saturday, May 30, “Compagnie Tadour” will present “Rihla,” a performance bringing together artists from Morocco, France, and Guinea. The show follows four performers as they explore movement, migration, identity, and the search for freedom between Africa and Europe.
The festival closes on Sunday, May 31, at the Centre Culturel des Étoiles de Jemaa El Fna with Sucré Cocktail Contemporain by Compagnie Colokolo. The performance is free to attend and open to audiences aged 12 and above.
Circus as cultural exchange
This year’s edition places Burkina Faso in the spotlight, recognizing the country’s strong role in contemporary African circus creation. The organizers say the festival aims to support artistic creation, strengthen cultural cooperation, and help structure Morocco’s contemporary circus scene.
The setting gives the event added meaning. Jemaa el-Fna is recognized by UNESCO as a major space of cultural exchange, known for oral traditions and popular performance.
By bringing contemporary circus into that environment, “Marrakech Fait Son Cirque” connects new African stage languages with one of Morocco’s oldest living performance spaces.
