Kelaat M'Gouna

Kelaat M'Gouna, often known as Morocco's Rose Valley, is a small town in the Dades Valley where millions of Damask roses bloom each spring. Surrounded by mountains, palm groves, and oasis villages, the region has become known for its centuries-old tradition of rose cultivation and the annual harvest that shapes life across the valley.

For a few weeks each year, families gather in the fields before sunrise to pick roses by hand. The flowers are later distilled into rose water and essential oils, supporting local cooperatives and providing an important source of income for many households in the region.

I visited Kelaat M'Gouna during the rose harvest season in May. These photographs explore Kelaat M'Gouna during rose season, capturing a place where agriculture, culture, and daily life remain deeply connected.

May, 2026