The saint
Idris II made Fes his capital in the early 9th century and is buried in the heart of the medina. Fassis still come to his shrine to pray and ask for his blessing.
Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
The moussem of Moulay Idris II
Once a year, Fes honours its patron saint. Musicians and brotherhoods carry a new cloth for his tomb from Bab Boujloud through the medina to his shrine. In recent years it has been held in early October. We haven't confirmed the 2027 date yet.
- 2027 date not confirmed yet
- Licensed Fassi guides
- Private or small-group
What the moussem is
A moussem is a yearly gathering in honour of a saint. This is the one Fes holds for its own.
The procession
The kessoua, a new cloth for the tomb, is carried through the medina with drums, horns and chanting, starting from Bab Boujloud.
Recent years: early October
The date
The procession was held on 3 October in 2024, and the 2025 moussem opened on 9 October. The 2027 date isn't confirmed yet, so we check it for you before you book.
One cloth, carried across the city to its patron saint.
Zawiya of Moulay Idris II, FesWatching the procession
How a moussem day usually goes for our guests.
Before
Gathering at Bab Boujloud
Musicians and brotherhoods gather on the square by the gate. Your guide finds you a place at the edge.
The procession
Into the medina
The music moves off into the lanes. We walk alongside part of the way, at a respectful distance.
At the shrine
Arrival at the zawiya
The cloth reaches the shrine of Moulay Idris II. Non-Muslims watch from outside.
After
The medina at night
Dinner, and a walk back to your riad through streets that stay lively late.
Moussem questions
The questions people ask us most before they plan a trip.
What is the moussem of Moulay Idris II?
A moussem is a yearly festival in honour of a saint. In Fes it honours Idris II, the city's patron saint. Its best-known moment is a procession that carries a new cloth for his tomb, the kessoua, from Bab Boujloud through the medina to his shrine, with music and chanting.
When is the moussem in 2027?
We have not been able to confirm the 2027 date yet. In recent years the procession has been held in early October: on 3 October in 2024, and the 2025 moussem opened on 9 October. Ask us before you book and we will check the date for your trip.
Can non-Muslims watch the procession?
Yes. The procession passes through public streets and squares, and visitors can watch respectfully from the side. Non-Muslims can't enter the shrine itself. Dress modestly and ask before photographing people up close.
Is the moussem crowded?
Yes, around Bab Boujloud and along the route. Your guide will find you a good place to stand and an easy way out of the crowd afterwards.
Want to be in Fes for the moussem? We'll check the date with you.
- Tell us what drew you in. Your dates, who is travelling and what you want to see.
- A person reads it. We write a day-by-day plan for your group, private or small-group.
- You change anything. Then we confirm the guides, drivers and riads.