In Morocco, festivals, Moussems and events follow one another throughout the year. I selected two festivities for you :) I hope you will enjoy this cultural and festive jaunt :)
Foremost, let me explain why I chose Morocco : among all the trips I have made, it’s the country which marked me the most, by its architecture, the kindness of the Moroccans, the gastronomy but also for its cultural diversity. Its geographical situation makes Morocco a country at the crossroads of cultures and influences.
Now you know my love for this country so it's time to present to you the festivities :)
1) Fez Festival of World Sacred Music
I start with one of the most important events of the Moroccan music scene. It’s the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. It usually takes place in June in the city of Fez, located at 180 km on the east of Rabat. For a dozen days, musicians from all around the world take over the stages of the Medina and explore sounds that sometimes go back to the mists of time.
The festivities take place in locations with a strong heritage value that deserves to be (re)discovered and highlighted: the great square of Bab Malina where the official ceremonies of the royal palace took place or the riads of the Medina.
Through this event, it’s a real invitation to discover Morocco and its culture. The change of scenery is guaranteed :)
If all these explanations make you want to participate to this incredible festival, note in your diary: the 26th edition of this festival will take place from June 4th to 12th (of course if we got rid of the coronavirus)
If you want more information, go to the official website of the festival : https://fesfestival.com/2020/
2) The Moussem of Tan-Tan
We continue with a totally different event: the famous Moussem of Tan-Tan, which takes place in southwest Morocco. A Moussem is an annual regional festival that combines a customary celebration, which can sometimes be religious. The Moussem of Tan-Tan is an annual gathering of Saharan nomads that brings together more than thirty tribes from southern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa.
During these few days of celebration, lots of activities are proposed, such as horse-dressing contests, camel races (it’s very impressive to see that), poetry games and folk music and dance performances. This gathering is also a real opportunity to celebrate marriages and reconciliation between tribes.
Therefore, the Moussem of Tan-Tan remains a unique testimony to the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of the Saharan nomads. This meeting symbolizes peace and tolerance and is an important center for cultural and economic exchange between the tribes of the region.
Personally, I dream of attending this great gathering. And you? Would you like to be immersed in the life of the nomads of the Sahara?
