The Marrakech du Rire comedy festival is set to return in 2026 after a multi-year hiatus, organizers have announced. The event, which was a major fixture in the Moroccan cultural calendar, was last held in 2019 before being suspended.
Founder and iconic French-Moroccan comedian Jamel Debbouze will not be part of the festival's comeback. Debbouze, who launched the event in 2011, has decided to step back from the organization. The festival will now be led by a new team, though specific names have not been widely confirmed in recent reports.
The exact dates and full lineup for the 2026 edition have not been finalized. The festival traditionally featured a mix of international and Maghreb comedians performing in Marrakech. Organizers have indicated the event will retain its core mission of promoting comedy and cultural exchange.
The return is seen as a positive sign for Morocco's entertainment and tourism sectors. However, Debbouze's absence marks a significant shift for the festival he was synonymous with for nearly a decade.
