Since 1998, the Gnaoua Festival of World Music is held in Essaouira, normally in the last week of June. It brings together artists from all over the world. Although focussed on gnaoua music, it includes rock, jazz and reggae. Dubbed as the "Moroccan Woodstock" it lasts four days and attracts annually around 450,000 spectators.
"Now in its 14th year, the Essaouira
Festival is largely dedicated to the North African
Gnawa style of music, which combines trance-like rhythms
with hypnotic bass lines. Traditionally used in healing rites
and celebratory events, it has been known to send listeners
into rapturous spasms. In addition to Gnawa,
the festival also features a host of jazz, blues and rock
artists, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Morocco’s
Atlantic coast. Performers this year include Salif Keita and Ribab Fusion."
Rolling Stone Middle
East by RS Staff June 23, 2011
FESTIVAL POSTERS
Download posters 1998 - 2019 here!











Get all editions here (External link)

The first official poster 1998
More about GNAWA etymology here

External links:
The Sacred and the Profane : Gnaoua and World Music Festival, Essaouira, 2016
(GEOFFREY BILLET PHOTOGRAPHY)
The Festive Sacred and the Fetish of Trance
(GEOFFREY BILLET PHOTOGRAPHY)
Liens en français:
Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde d'Essaouira (Dafina.net)
Gnaoua a Essaouira - Asmâa Hamzaoui ( VIDEO Dafina.net )