Fes Travel Forum

Hello I am a female musician in my 50s considering visiting during the Sacred Music Festival in June.1. How safe is it to travel there alone as a female, and how safe is it to openly admit to being American? It seems that Fes is a very tolerant place, but Americans are hated all over the world right now!2. I am also wondering about the cost of concert tickers, rooms, etc.I'm from the Oregon Coast, so not used to hot weather, but encouraged by the fact that many of the concerts are at night when it is cooler.3.Do they provide western chairs during the concert for sitting,4. and are there opportunities for women to connect with other musicians from around the world for jam sessions?5. Anyone know a better place for a female world musician to connect with other musicians from around the world?( I play harp, many flutes, and sing) Thanks for any help!

Hi
I travelled on my own in Morocco over Christmas and would have the following comments. Morocco is a very safe place although don't wander into the poorer suburbs of Casablanca, in particular.In Tangiers, Fez and Marrakesh you will get people offering to act as guides. This is more annoying than threatening so try to get an official guide from your hotel which you should book in advance. This is not the case in other cities where I walked about a lot without any hassle. Very few people drink alcohol so there is no yob culture (actually this is only a Northern European phenomenon).

Consider wearing a khaftan as they are functional, cheap to buy and helps you blend in. In terms of tolerance, I travelled by train in a carriage where 2 youths from Casablanca told other Moroccans that they were Jewish. No-one seemed to have an issue with this, which gives you some idea of the tolerance.

In terms of the Sacred Music Festival, I can't help although I know that Essaouira has a more western type festival around the same time.

Interestingly, Ireland has week long festivals in early July known as fleadh ceoils where there are a combination of national music festivals and parties. They are taken very seriously , although the apres-competition is good fun, and seems to again parallel the Celtic North African links.

regards

SK

Hello;

am a male from Morocco,i live in fes,each year i see fes festival f sacred music and enevr happined somethings bad for fes guests during this festival and also during all the year.

If you like Music,you are welcome ,be sure that you will enjoy time and also you'll see many monuments in fes.If you like any other informations am here to help.

I wish to you a nice day and big kiss to all the family.

I think you could have a look at the site or contact organisers for info on chairs/seating arrangements - as for joining in - go with the flow.

this event is organised and successful because there is such a musical centre in the lives of Moroccans - they are very musical - the men learn to drum as very young boys and its common to get together for jamming sessions. So enjoy the opportunity (just know that whatever your age is - and 50s is still regarded as young or appealing enough for men who will try to lure foreign women there of any age - money and etc is money and etc and anything helps) but asides from that you can be straight up and just focused on having valid interests in being there and Im sure you will find opportunities to get involved with the music and others musically inclined from around the world.

I wouldnt worry about your nationality either - the Moroccans are opportunists so would have a tendencie to use it to advantage - but as with travelling anywhere on your own its about being sensible and careful. Be prepared and well read up before you get there. Have a good info/guidebook to take with you such as the Lonely Planet.
but generally i feel safer in Morocco then many other european countries and countries around the world.

And have a bit more of a read around the Morocco Forum and VTers travel pages. Ive got some good pages if youd like a tour before you go!

PS I dont really agree that foreigners in khaftans 'blend in' any better by wearing khaftans! and nor is that necessary or expected. a number of Moroccans dont wear khaftans either as you will find when you are in Fes.

Nor is it expected for foreigners to wear head scarves nor not wear tshirts in the heat of summer. Tshirts really are fine - just at least cover some of the upper arm and not wear short shorts or short skirts. Youll find in the heat loose baggy summer blouses are great/better in the heat anyway with loose skirts.

Hi Musicalynda, I'm also going to Fez for the festival you'll find some information about tickets in the link below, and Moroccans are very welcoming people, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

David

http://riadzany.blogspot.com/2008/03/fes-festival-of-world-sacred-music.html

Hi, to change the subject slightly - have you decided to buy ticket passes or just individual tickets - have you prebooked anything already? trying to decide what i will do. a bit expensive but an excellent collection throughout the festival.

hi there am sure you will not be hated here, people will give you help if you want also am sure you will engoyed your trip to Morocco i live here and i already meet many people from the state and canada who had fun.

you can feel free to contact me or visit my page.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/a7953/