Month: November 2026

Every spring, at the foot of the majestic High Atlas Mountains, southern Morocco transforms into a vast, fragrant expanse of pink. It is time for the Kelaat M’Gouna Rose Festival, one of the most authentic, colorful, and fascinating celebrations in the entire country.

With Maroccotour, you have the opportunity to experience this unique event not merely as a spectator, but by immersing yourself in the beating heart of Berber culture along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.

The festival (known in Arabic as the Moussem des Roses) is held every year in Kelaat M’Gouna, a small town located in the famous Valley of Roses, between Ouarzazate and the Dadès Gorges.

The celebration marks the end of the Rosa Damascena (Damask rose) harvest, a flower brought to this region centuries ago that adapted perfectly to the arid climate and temperature swings of the valley. Every year, thousands of tons of petals are harvested strictly by hand at the first light of dawn by local women, before the sun evaporates their precious essential oils.

Attending the Rose Festival means experiencing a true sensory explosion:

• The Grand Parade and the Crowning of Miss Rose: The streets of Kelaat M’Gouna fill with floats decorated with thousands of petals. The highlight is the crowning of the Queen of Roses (Miss Rose), chosen from among the young women of the valley.
• Traditional Music and Dance: Folk groups from across the region perform Berber songs and traditional dances such as the Ahidous, accompanied by the hypnotic rhythm of drums and a veritable “shower” of petals and rosewater over the spectators.
• Distilleries and Artisan Souks: It is the perfect occasion to visit local cooperatives, discover how precious rosewater is distilled (it takes about 500 kg of flowers to obtain a single kilogram of pure essential oil!), and buy natural soaps, creams, and dried rosebuds.

A trip organized with Maroccotourturns attending the festival into a complete and unforgettable itinerary discovering the truest side of Morocco:

1. From Marrakech to the High Atlas: Cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass to reach the famous Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.
2. Immersion in the Valley of Roses: Thanks to our expert local guides, you can witness the morning harvest in the rose fields, join the celebrations in Kelaat M’Gouna, and enjoy a traditional Berber lunch.
3. The Dadès and Todra Gorges: Continue through vertiginous canyons, palm oases, and fortified mud-brick villages.
4. A Night Under the Stars in the Sahara: The tour culminates among the golden dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), featuring a sunset camel trek and a magical night in a desert camp.