The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a popular tourist destination, but it also boasts a diverse array of vibrant cultural events for art and culture enthusiasts. From large-scale music festivals in Morocco and Lebanon to cutting-edge art fairs in Saudi Arabia, the region's events calendar is packed with captivating and inspiring experiences. Here are five cultural festivals in the MENA region worth traveling to.
1. Art Week Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, April 6 to 13
A new addition to the region's arts scene, the inaugural Art Week Riyadh will showcase works from over 45 regional and international galleries, accompanied by a series of public talks. Under the theme "At the Edge," events will take place across various locations in the city. Al Mousa Centre will host 15 galleries presenting solo and group exhibitions, while the Jax District will feature three exhibitions exploring Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural identity. The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art will also host "Art of the Kingdom" and "Adaptability: Ceramics."
2. Fes Festival of World Sacred Music: Morocco, May 16 to 24
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, running for over 30 years, is a distinctive musical gathering. Held in the northern Moroccan city of Fes, the festival showcases traditional and spiritual music from around the world while fostering cross-cultural dialogue through discussions. Past events have featured a diverse range of artists, including Wadih El Safi, Patti Smith, Ben Harper, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This year's lineup is yet to be announced.
3. Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival: Turkey, May 30 to June 1
One of Turkey's premier arts events, the Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival, offers a packed two-day program that includes art exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and philosophical discussions. While this year's lineup is still under wraps, past guests have included Orhan Pamuk, Zadie Smith, Ai Weiwei, and Laurie Anderson.
4. Mawazine Festival: Rabat, Morocco, June 20 to 28
North Africa's biggest music festival, Mawazine, returned last year after a five-year hiatus, typically offering a bumper lineup of regional and international stars. This year is expected to be no different, with Will Smith announcing that he will begin his European tour in Rabat. Held in various venues across the Moroccan capital, Mawazine presents an excellent opportunity to explore Rabat's diverse neighborhoods. Notably, most concerts are free, attracting crowds of at least 50,000 for shows on the main stages.
5. Amman International Film Festival: Jordan, July 2 to 10
Launched in 2020 amidst the pandemic, the Amman International Film Festival has quickly become one of the region's most dynamic film gatherings. Screenings and discussions take place in venues throughout the Jordanian capital, from open-air cinemas and cultural centers to independent theatres. While boasting a strong international program of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, the festival also serves as a platform for new voices from the Arab world. Past festivals have welcomed acclaimed figures such as Nadine Labaki and Ali Suliman.