Madonna's magical return to Marrakech for family holiday

MARRAKECH - The Queen of Pop, Madonna, has once again fallen under the spell of Marrakech, choosing the vibrant Moroccan city as the backdrop for her end-of-2025 holiday getaway and New Year's Eve festivities welcoming 2026. At 67, the iconic singer embraced the rich culture of the Red City with her family and boyfriend, sharing intimate glimpses of their adventures on Instagram that captivated millions of fans.

Madonna's affection for Morocco is no secret. She famously celebrated her 60th birthday in Marrakech back in 2018, donning traditional Amazigh jewelry and hosting a lavish party that paid homage to local customs.

This time, her trip began with explorations in Fes before heading to Marrakech, where she stayed at the luxurious Selman Marrakech, a palatial hotel known for its elegance and Arabian horse stables.

Accompanied by her boyfriend Akeem Morris and several of her children—including son Rocco (25), David (20), Mercy (19), and twins Stella and Estere (13)—Madonna immersed herself in the city's charms.

The family wandered through the bustling souks of the ancient medina, sipping traditional Moroccan mint tea, admiring intricate zellige tilework in historic riads, and posing amid the colourful chaos of markets filled with spices, leather goods, and artisanal treasures. Madonna, often seen glowing in a plush fur coat and hat to ward off the winter chill, captioned one series of photos "Moroccan Holiday," highlighting relaxed family moments infused with the city's unique craftsmanship.

For New Year's Eve, the celebration moved to the Agafay Desert just outside Marrakech, where Madonna and her loved ones rang in 2026 in grand style. Under a luxurious Moroccan-style tent, they enjoyed a lavish banquet of traditional cuisine, live music, and a spectacular Fantasia performance - featuring tbourida horsemen in synchronized cavalry charges and ceremonial rifle fire. The group even donned local attire, including selhams, tarbouches, and lithams, for an authentic touch.

Madonna shared photos from the night with the caption "Habibi, come alive… it’s 2026," accompanied by the Moroccan flag and a heart emoji. Images showed the family toasting under the stars, with sparks from the horsemen's display lighting up the desert sky.

Fans and celebrities alike praised the posts, noting Madonna's radiant appearance and the joy of her family bonding. This latest visit reinforces Marrakech's status as a celebrity haven, blending luxury, privacy, and cultural depth—a perfect escape for the ever-reinventing pop legend.

Madonna's repeated returns to Morocco not only showcase her personal connection to the country but also spotlight its timeless allure, from the medina's energy to the desert's serenity. As she steps into 2026, the Queen of Pop proves that some loves, like her bond with Marrakech, only grow stronger with time.