Berber Festivals in Morocco

Berber Festivals in Morocco


Morocco is a diverse country, home to people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, whose traditions have been shaped by relations with other peoples, to greater or lesser degrees. One of the most interesting groups of people are the Berbers, who have maintained a relatively isolated, unmodified lifestyle in Morocco and elsewhere in North Africa. Berber culture itself is far from homogeneous, although with these fundamental that some tribes with patriarchal social structures and other differences are matriarchal. In some regions, different Berber communities have developed festivals and shows, some visitors to the country on a trekking experience Morocco have the chance to attend.

Udayn n ACUR

Berber city of Goulmima is located in an agricultural oasis, fed by the river Gheri of Central High Atlas Mountains. About 18,000 people live in Goulmima, they are predominantly Muslim, although in the past many Jews also dwelt there. . Proof lies in the name of the festival: Udayn n ACUR, which means "the Jew of Ashura" The festival is rooted in the Judeo-Berber tradition and the characteristics of youth wearing masks - they parade around town , often shouting slogans against the government and calling for Berber rights. A political protest staged as a carnival may surprise some people to visit Morocco, trekking and meet local people, but those who take the time to see what happens learn more about the nuances of the cultural composition of Morocco.

Fantasia

Fantasia (more traditionally known as the game of gunpowder) is a widespread Morocco horse riding performance, embedded in festivals across the country. It is closely related to the Berber people, it is traditionally performed to close the Berber wedding celebrations in the Maghreb, and his inspiration comes from the Berber warrior riding. A highlight of any holiday trekking Morocco would be the opportunity to watch the game of gunpowder.

A group of riders wearing traditional clothing charge forward at the same speed, forming a perfect line. At the end of the race, which is usually about 200 meters long, all riders take their old weapons charged powder in the air at the same time so that all of a sudden sounds. Although it sounds simple, it takes a surprising amount of skill - riding and shooting perfect unison is not at all easy.

Engagement festival

Many passionate about trekking Morocco met the famous Engagement Festival Imilchil: its dance, music, festivals and colorful clothes are very nice and certainly memorable. The festival comes from a legend of two tragic lovers. Conservative social rules among the Berber villages scattered in the region meant that people of different tribes could not marry them. A young man and woman from different tribes met one day and quickly fell in love - but were not allowed by their families to meet. In their grief, they shouted to death. Their tears have created two lakes Isli (sound) and Tislit (hers). Families, shocked and saddened by the loss of their beloved son and daughter, decided to create a single day of the year when members of different tribes could marry them. Still, the festival engagement took place on the anniversary of the day the fans are dead.

This festival allows young men and women who are limited by rules such as those of the legend, to be introduced to another and find a partner. Fathers bring their daughters to the party in the hope that one of the young single men have a suitable husband.

Some fear that the influx of visitors will have a negative impact on the festivities, as the male tourists who got too interested in a Hmong (Southeast Asia) New Year's ball game toss that can facilitate the seduction among adolescents. Those trekking holidays in Morocco are able to visit during the festival Imilchil engagement should take care to note that, while respecting the traditions of men and local women.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run a unique range of experience trekking in Morocco. They offer excursions and trips around the world, including destinations in North America and South America, Europe, Africa and Central Asia and South-East .......