The fifth edition of MOGA festival unfolded against the shimmery backdrop of Portugal’s Caparica coastline from May 28 to June 2. The seaside celebration drew over 25,000 dancers and kindred spirits to its sun-drenched stretch of sand. Despite its growing crowd, the gathering preserved its defining intimate atmosphere where connection and community were just as important as the music itself. Just 25 minutes from Lisbon, the 2025 iteration of MOGA served as a hidden sanctuary, curated for creativity to flourish, and shared experiences to bloom. It was a space where celebration and reflection intertwined effortlessly.
At its core, the festival’s story begins in the coastal city of Essaouira in Morocco. A place rich with history, culture and a free-spirited legacy that shaped the festival’s soul. “What has been especially powerful is seeing how the Moroccan identity shines more than ever through the presence of so many artists, collectives, and friends from the motherland of MOGA,” festival co-founder Matthieu Corosine told Schön!
Now firmly grounded on Portugal’s coast, it carries a spirit that transcends geography. MOGA doesn’t stand for anything, yet it represents so much. Named after ‘Mogador,’ Essaouira’s former name, the festival honours centuries-old ties between different lands, blending their cultures into a rhythm of its own. “The Moroccan spirit remains at the heart of it,” said Corosine.“That cultural essence keeps the project grounded and unique as it evolves to other destinations.” Looking ahead, MOGA will expand to Cádiz, Spain from 3 – 6 July, promising to carry forward its unique spirit.
Over five days, MOGA blossomed into an intentional and immersive experience. Beyond the dance floor, guests could participate in outdoor activities like beach yoga, surf lessons, open-air cinema, sunset dining moments and masterclasses. The laid-back two-day OFF program set the tone, inviting the MOGA tribe to peacefully energise before the real party began. “We design it as a multi-sensory escape, where music is central but not the only focus,” explained Corosine.
With the groundwork laid, the weekend shifted gears. Day turned to dusk and the shoreline came alive with a bohemian pulse and vibrant sound. MOGA’s iconic sonic journey took flight. Across three days, a finely tuned lineup of global icons like Jamie Jones, Luciano, Blond:ish, DJ Tennis, Seth Troxler and Shimza commanded the decks alongside emerging stars like Paula Tape, Zengxrl, Momoda and Lilya Mandre.
The crowd was as diverse as the lineup, welcoming festival goers from across Europe and North Africa. “We speak to a curious, conscious, and creative crowd. This year, we welcomed people from over 30 nationalities, proof that our spirit is resonating far beyond borders,” said Corosine. It was a mosaic of nationalities bound by rhythm and open skies. Whenever golden hour would descend, the dance floors swelled.
Shoes felt optional and were often shed as dancers moved barefoot through Caparica’s soft terrain. With three stages spread across the beach, guests got their steps in, navigating the sand to catch their favourite set. After the main acts, the party continued just a short walk away at the only afterparty around, keeping the vibe alive well into the night. Taking you backstage, Schön! spoke to Chilean DJ and producer Paula Tape for her view from the booth.
MOGA is celebrating its fifth year with you, us, and everyone around. How did you approach your set to match that celebratory vibe?
My approach may always change right up until the moment I step on stage because you never really know what the mood will be. I had one clear [thing] idea in mind: I knew I’d be playing in front of the sea, and I wanted to let that guide me. I imagined a set full of uplifting tracks, something a bit trippy, a bit Balearic, with gentle BPMs. Music that makes people feel like they can dance in the clouds, dance while watching the waves, and take a deep, joyful breath. That was the energy I aimed to bring.
How does this setting influence the way you shape your set?
Things are fluid. It all depends on the vibe of the space, how crowded it is, even the weather. You really have to read the room and stay connected to the moment. It’s about being spontaneous and adapting as you go. Sometimes I even surprise myself with where the set ends up. In a way, it’s like cooking without a recipe, you create something on the spot with what you have, guided by feeling.
With so many mega-festivals around, what do you think keeps artists and listeners drawn to more boutique events like this?
At boutique festivals, everything feels a bit more intentional and a lot less chaotic. There’s often more attention to detail, and they tend to be less crowded. As a guest, you don’t feel packed in like a sardine, you can actually breathe, move around, and enjoy the atmosphere. From my perspective, “less is more” really applies here. People are more present, they’re soaking in the moment instead of rushing between stages. There’s more respect in the crowd and the focus shifts from just chasing bangers to embracing the journey the music takes you on.
What do festivals like MOGA offer that you think the electronic music world needs more of right now?
One thing I admire about MOGA is how they’re expanding and hosting editions in different countries and cities. That kind of thinking is important. Not everyone can afford to travel just for music or even has the opportunity. By bringing the festival to different places, you open the door to people who might not usually have access to this kind of experience. And the more we break down borders like that, the stronger and more connected the global music community becomes. It’s something I believe the electronic scene really needs right now. Always with respect to the environment that hosts the event.
The next edition of MOGA festival will take place in Cádiz, Spain from 3 – 6 July, 2025
photography. Alice Sutton + Inês Machado
words. Sarah Diab
