Culturama archive
This event has ended. The page remains available as a cultural reference. Use the current city guide below to find what is happening now.
Salé’s Candle Procession and the Sidi Abdellah Benhassoun Moussem form one of the city’s most emblematic spiritual and intangible heritage traditions. Held on the eve of Mawlid, the procession brings together the descendants of Sidi Abdellah Benhassoun, religious scholars, preachers, candle bearers and residents. The cortege travels through the old medina, passes Place Achouhada at Bab Bouhaja and reaches the saint’s mausoleum. The monumental candles are handcrafted from colourful wax motifs assembled on wooden structures resembling minarets, preserving a centuries-old local craft. Celebrations traditionally continue with the candle dance, Andalusian music, samaa and madih chants and the ceremonial lighting of the candles. The wider Moussem may also include lectures, book and calligraphy exhibitions, workshops, signings, theatre performances, heritage visits and social initiatives. August 25, 2026 is listed as an expected date because the procession takes place on the eve of Mawlid, currently expected on August 26; the final date may shift following Morocco’s official lunar-sighting announcement.
