Mawazine is a nine-day musical invasion that turns the city of Rabat into a live stage. It’s a massive urban takeover where global pop icons and obscure African artists share the same grid. From stadium shows to mystical performances inside ancient Roman ruins, it’s a rare collision of high-tech production and centuries-old traditions.

Documentation in progress.

The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is a nine-day music takeover of fortress city of Essaouira. It’s a massive urban event where ancient Sufi trance rituals jam with global jazz and blues icons. From high-energy beach stages to intimate, late-night spiritual sessions inside the medina, it is a rare explosion of hypnotic rhythms and modern improvisation within a historic UNESCO-listed setting.

Documentation in progress.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a thrilling, 700-year-old UNESCO festival in Fukuoka. Half-naked participants from seven neighborhoods compete to rush massive, decorated Yamakasa floats through the city with precise teamwork. The main attraction is the Oiyama Grand Race on July 15th, a high-speed, 5-kilometer time trial using one-ton Kakiyama floats (starting 4:59 a.m.).

Kyoto Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) is a historic, month-long UNESCO cultural event dating back to 869, centered around Yasaka Shrine. The main attraction is the two spectacular Yamaboko Junkō float processions, which take place on July 17th and 24th, featuring giant, elaborately decorated floats that are skillfully pulled through the city. The Yoiyama evenings, held on the three nights before each procession, turn the streets into lively gatherings where the floats are displayed and local treasures are showcased.