Every autumn, Morocco’s desert town of Erfoud hosts one of the country’s most celebrated cultural and agricultural gatherings: the Salon International des Dattes au Maroc (SIDATTES). This annual event attracts farmers, researchers, traders, and travelers eager to experience Morocco’s notorious fruit—the date.
Drâa-Tafilalet: The Oasis Heart of Morocco The festival takes place in Drâa-Tafilalet, a region defined by its contrasts. To the north, the Haut Atlas mountains rise above 3,000 meters, often dusted with snow in winter. To the south, scorching heat gives way to oasis valleys where palm groves thrive, with summer temperatures climbing above 48°C.
The region is also home to Morocco’s most famous desert dunes, including Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and Erg Chgaga near M’Hamid El Ghizlane, making it a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions. Beyond dates, Drâa-Tafilalet is known for its saffron, almonds, olives, honey, cumin, roses, and henna—treasures of Moroccan terroir.
Erfoud: Capital of Moroccan Dates Located on the edge of the Sahara, Erfoud has long been considered the capital of dates in Morocco. Each October, the city comes alive during SIDATTES, a festival that blends culture, trade, and scientific innovation. But Erfoud is more than just agriculture. Its desert scenery has attracted major international film productions, while its fossil-rich soil makes it a global paleontology hotspot.
Moroccan Dates: A Cultural and Culinary Jewel Morocco cultivates over 45 varieties of dates, each with unique flavors and traditions. Among them, the Medjool date—often called the “king of dates”—is the most celebrated. Large, soft, and sweet with a caramel-like taste, Medjools are reserved for special occasions like weddings and festivals. Dates are not only a staple of Moroccan cuisine but also a lifeline for desert communities, sustaining local economies and preserving oasis ecosystems.
SIDATTES: From Tradition to International Event What began as a local harvest celebration, the Guetna, has transformed into the international event SIDATTES. Visitors once gathered for traditional music, dances, and competitions for the best dates. Today, the festival has grown into a global platform, drawing tens of thousands of participants from Morocco and abroad.
A Look Back at SIDATTES 2024 The 2024 edition of SIDATTES highlighted the scale and ambition of this unique event. Spanning 40,000 m², it brought together nearly 230 exhibitors, attracted over 90,000 visitors, and welcomed delegations from 19 countries. Themed “Moroccan Oases: For Resilient Systems in the Face of Climate Change”, the festival featured: - A Rahba space dedicated to Moroccan date varieties and by-products. - A scientific forum focusing on investment, innovation, and sustainability in the date palm sector. - Exhibitions of agricultural machinery, irrigation solutions, and new technologies designed to strengthen oasis resilience. - Cultural performances and folk traditions, keeping the spirit of the original harvest festival alive.
Experience SIDATTES with Nomad Morocco Travel The Erfoud Dates Festival is more than just an agricultural fair—it’s an immersive cultural journey. From exploring the bustling Rahba market to tasting Morocco’s finest dates and venturing into the nearby dunes of Erg Chebbi, the festival offers a unique blend of tradition, gastronomy, and desert adventure. At Nomad Morocco Travel, we organize tailor-made tours to Erfoud so you can experience SIDATTES firsthand while also discovering the stunning oases, kasbahs, and Sahara landscapes of Drâa-Tafilalet. Join us in Erfoud and celebrate Morocco’s sweetest treasure—the date—at SIDATTES.