The Tbourida, derived from Baroud which means “gunpowder”, is an ancient equestrian art, dating from the 15th century. It is an equestrian representation that simulates a succession of military parades, reconstructed according to ancestral Arab-Amazigh conventions and rituals. Each parade of Tbourida is performed by a troop, called “Sorba”, consisting of an odd number of riders and horses (from 15 to 25), lined up and in the middle of which stands the chief of the tribe, the “Mokaddem”, with his mount. From generation to generation, the Tbourida retains a strong spiritual dimension, particularly because it puts the horse, the sacred animal of Islam, at the center of a breathtaking and impressive spectacle. The Tbourida dazzles the Moroccan and international public. It is associated with festivities: moussems, agricultural festivals and many national and family celebrations. Internationals often call it “Fantasia”, a Latin designation of origin, meaning entertainment.
Rabat – Morocco’s tourism industry is surging in 2024, with a 12.8% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. According to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF), tourist arrivals reached 3.3 million by the end of March, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by a significant 31.6% compared to the first quarter of 2019. This positive trend, driven by both international visitors and Moroccans living abroad, puts the country in a favorable position for this year, with the potential to surpass the record year of 13.2 million visitors in 2023. This growth is fueled by strong performances across all three months of the quarter, with January, February, and March seeing increases of 10.4%, 17.9%, and 10.2% respectively. The rise in tourist arrivals translates to a near-full recovery in the sector’s value added. The DEPF reports that tourism value added reached 98.3% of its pre-crisis level, a significant improvement from 80.5% the previous year. However, tourism revenue shows a different story, with a 6.7% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this drop, revenue remains significantly higher by 40.4% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This positive momentum follows a record-breaking year for the tourism sector in 2023. The Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the country welcomed a staggering 13.2 million visitors, surpassing the previous annual record of 12.9 million set in 2019. Tourist revenues also reached impressive heights, reaching MAD 97.4 billion ($9.8 billion) by the end of November 2023, a 15.8% increase year-on-year. Looking beyond the immediate gains, Morocco has its sights set on a potential 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor believes this global sporting event presents a “huge opportunity for tourism,” further solidifying ongoing tourism development plans. With the industry continuing on this upward trajectory, Morocco appears poised to solidify its position as a leading tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. © Morocco World News
Moroccan cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delightful blend of unique flavors and ingenious use of aromatic spices. But behind these appetizing dishes lies a rich and fascinating culinary history. For centuries, Moroccan gastronomy has been influenced by various cultures and traditions, creating a unique and diverse cuisine. In this article, we invite you to delve into the history of Moroccan gastronomy and discover the influences that have shaped the iconic dishes we know today. The history of Moroccan cuisine dates back to the pre-Islamic era, when the Berbers, the indigenous inhabitants of Morocco, were the first occupants of the region. Berber cuisine is characterized by the use of local ingredients such as cereals, vegetables, olives, honey, and aromatic herbs. Traditional Berber dishes like couscous and tagine have survived to this day and have become symbols of Moroccan gastronomy. In the 7th century, with the advent of Islam and the Arab Umayyad dynasty, Moroccan cuisine began to enrich itself with new flavors and cooking techniques. Arabs introduced ingredients such as almonds, dates, oranges, and spices, which became essential elements in many Moroccan dishes. Additionally, the influence of Muslim Andalusia brought sophisticated cooking techniques, such as the use of orange blossom water and honey to flavor desserts. The presence of the Jewish community in Morocco dates back to antiquity, and their influence on Moroccan gastronomy is significant. Sephardic Jews brought with them unique recipes, including dishes made with spices, minced meat, and stuffed vegetables. Famous examples include spicy meatballs called “kefta” and “pastillas,” flaky pastries filled with chicken or seafood. Jewish flavors harmoniously merged with other culinary influences in Morocco. During periods of colonization, Morocco was influenced by European empires, particularly the Portuguese and French. The Portuguese introduced ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes, enriching Moroccan cuisine. The French also left their mark, especially through French cuisine influence. French cooking techniques, such as pastry-making and the use of savory sauces, were adopted and adapted by Moroccan chefs. Thus, dishes like “Bastilla,” a delicious pigeon and almond pie, emerged from this culinary fusion. One of the most distinctive features of Moroccan gastronomy is its generous use of aromatic spices. Spices such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and saffron give Moroccan dishes their characteristic flavors and vibrant colors. The importance of spices in Moroccan cuisine can be attributed to Morocco’s geographic location as a trade crossroads, where spices have been exchanged for centuries. In conclusion: Moroccan gastronomy is a true culinary treasure, the result of a rich history and multiple influences. From Berber traditions to Arab, Andalusian, Jewish, and European influences, Moroccan cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Whether it’s couscous, tagine, pastillas, or delicious desserts made with honey and dried fruits, each Moroccan dish tells a unique story. By exploring the history of Moroccan gastronomy, we gain a better understanding of the significance of cuisine as a cultural expression and can savor these culinary delights with deeper appreciation.
Argan oil truly lives up to its nickname “gold of Morocco” as it is both precious and wonderfully beneficial. This unique oil is derived from the pressing of the fruit of the argan tree, a rare tree that only grows in the southwest of Morocco. For generations, the oil has been consumed with bread or in couscous. It is also used as a cosmetic product on the skin and hair for its restorative and strengthening properties. What is the fruit of the argan tree called ? The fruit of the argan tree, called “affiache,” is a false drupe that is yellow in color: a fleshy, spindle-shaped fruit similar to a nut. It turns brown as it dries and measures about 3 cm in length. Its small spine at the top falls off during maturation, which occurs between April-May and September-October. Its very hard nut contains 2-3 kernels that will be pressed to extract the famous argan oil. Well-being benefits The argan tree is used to prevent skin aging, relieve dry and very dry skin, regulate cholesterol, and alleviate joint pain. Highly valued by mature skin, the argan tree contains omega-9 and omega-6. The former contribute to the elasticity, hydration, nutrition, and youthfulness of the skin. The latter promote the suppleness and firmness of the skin to prevent skin aging. Argan oil is also a great ally for hair. It helps nourish hair, prevent hair loss, and maintain its shine. Finally, research on argan oil has shown that it may have beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases due to its nutritional qualities. Uses Argan oil can be used : Additional Tips In Cooking Argan oil is the only food-grade derivative of the argan tree. Rich in antioxidants, argan oil stabilizes hypercholesterolemia, stimulates brain cells, and promotes good liver function. It contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil. With its light hazelnut and almond aroma, it enhances fish, couscous, tagines, salads, or dressings. However, this oil is consumed raw as it does not tolerate cooking.
Souk El Had is considered the largest urban market in Africa. It spans over 13 hectares and houses nearly 3000 shops. From a distance, it resembles a fortress with its 6-meter high walls, pierced by 13 large gates. Inside, the market square is divided into several distinct wings, among which you can find the vegetable and fruit market. Due to its central location, the market is accessible from all parts of the city. You can reach it by car, taxi (both large and small), bus, and even on foot. Note that it is closed on Mondays for weekly cleaning. Souk El Had successfully combines modernity with tradition. The area has been renovated while retaining its Amazigh charm, replacing tents with shops and commercial tiles. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains authentically vibrant, and the shopping experience has become much more pleasant.
A dream destination How can you not want to visit such a dreamy place with picturesque, blue-coloured winding alleys on top of a small mountain? And to enjoy its pure and fresh air, and admire the untainted beauty of its landscapes? Located in the north-west of Morocco, up in the mountains of the Rif, this blue city attracts more and more Moroccan and foreign visitors from all over the world. Each house in the town, is home to deep-rooted and long-lasting stories, making Chefchaouen a tourist town with irresistible charm and a picturesque scenery that will make you stay a memorable one. All you have to do, is pack your bags and book your flight without forgetting your camera ! A city of international renown The blue pearl of Morocco, with its undoubted assets, carves out a place for itself with the biggest tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, the city won the trophy for the best African intermediate city. In 2019, it ranks ninth for having the most beautiful streets and alleys in the world. This year, Chefchaouen being chosen for the shooting of the new Louis Vuitton spring-summer collection, is a crowning success of its efforts to preserve its heritage and nature. Experience a Chefchaouen tour on Instagram With more than 620,000 posts on Instagam with the hashtag #Chefchouen, the latter is now the most insgrammable city in Morocco, according to the British newspaper Daily Mail. Being bewitched by its picturesque scenery, a lot of Influencers and bloggers come in droves to the city, and share their memories on this social network. How could it not be an excellent stay after all !
Known as Festibaz, the village’s 13th donkey festival featured a beauty pageant and a race. Seven donkeys were enrolled in the pageant, during which the owners paraded the animals before a committee. “Shah Rukh Khan,” the donkey picked as the winner came ready to impress, with a band of flowers placed on top of its head. As well as decorations and aesthetics, the beauty pageant judges a donkey’s behaviour towards the owners and others. The reward for winning the pageant was a 50 kilogram (110 pounds) bag of barley. “I take care of it constantly and do not neglect it because it helps me and takes me wherever I want (to go),” said Amine Yaala, whose donkey won the donkey beauty pageant. Donkeys are a fixture of daily life in this village, where they are essential for transportation in its mountainous terrain and in hauling goods. “I cannot do without them because they are extremely important and necessary in mountainous areas. On flat land, we use tractors. But to move in the mountains, we always need them,” says Mohammed Azzouzi, a villager. The species’ well-known stubbornness has however made the word donkey synonymous with ineptitude and a lack of intelligence. But the villagers in Beni Ammar Zerhoun think of donkeys as an indispensable asset in the local economy. The village started organizing a donkey festival in 2001, but has not held it every year. This is the first year that the festival has resumed since the COVID-19 pandemic. On the sidelines of the festival, the Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature organized a campaign to give treatment to donkeys. They were checked to make sure they are in good health before they took part in the donkey race. The contest took place over 1 kilometer, featuring 12 donkeys and riders between the ages of 17 and 20. The winner was Said Hayani, a 19-year-old villager who said he was proud of his victory. © Africanews.com
Morocco’s tourism industry is riding high after a record-breaking 2023, and the North African nation is setting its sights even higher with the co-hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon. With over 14.5 million tourists visiting the country in 2023, Morocco surpassed pre-pandemic levels and generated a staggering 10 billion euros in revenue. According to the Ministry of Tourism, France remains the top source in the market, accounting for over 34% of visitors. This success is attributed to a strategic investment of 600 million euros by the Moroccan government, showcasing their commitment to the tourism sector’s growth. However, Morocco’s ambitions extend beyond immediate gains. The co-hosting bid for the 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, presents a “huge opportunity for tourism,” Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said in a keynote speech at the The Syndicat des Entreprises du Tour Operating (SETO) forum in Rabat. The annual forum of The SETO brought together 150 tourism professionals from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 April 2024 in Rabat. “This event will consolidate all ongoing plans and projects,” echoed Adel El Fakir, director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office at the SETO forum. The World Cup serves as a massive marketing tool, with Morocco’s impressive performance in the 2022 tournament already generating significant interest among potential visitors. The prospect of hosting this global spectacle is driving infrastructure investments in accommodation, roads and airports. SETO recently selected Morocco and its capital Rabat to host its 14th Forum, emphasizing on the country’s status as a preferred destination among tour operators. Also at the forum, René-Marc Chikli, president of the Syndicate, and Hervé Tilmont, general manager, voiced in a speech their unwavering support for Moroccofollowing the seismic event that shook Marrakech on September 8th, highlighting the resilience of the nation’s tourism sector. The country’s rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and growing tourism infrastructure position it to welcome a surge of international visitors in the coming years. © Morocco World News
In a speech delivered on Wednesday in Casablanca, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch underscored the vital importance of craftsmanship for the preservation of Morocco’s material and immaterial heritage. Moroccan craftsmanship, according to Akhannouch, stands as a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing a substantial 7% to the GDP. Furthermore, it employs nearly 20% of the active population, and its exports recently surpassed the significant milestone of one billion dirhams between 2022 and 2023, experiencing an estimated growth of 7%. These remarks were made during the inauguration of the 8th edition of the National Craft Week (SNA). Akhannouch pointed out that the craft sector not only enhances the country’s tourist appeal but also represents nearly 10% of foreign exchange tourist revenues. Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts, the Prime Minister spoke of initiatives aimed at structuring the sector and enhancing the competitiveness of artisans who play a crucial role in passing down their skills from generation to generation, thus safeguarding the rich cultural heritage. To support artisans, the government has implemented legal and regulatory measures, including the framework law 50-17 on craft activities. Additionally, the creation of the National Craft Registry has seen the enrollment of over 389,000 artisans, and the introduction of Mandatory Health Insurance, benefitting more than 641,000 individuals, further demonstrates the government’s commitment to the well-being of artisans. The Moroccan prime minister went on to outline the government’s additional support through programs focused on improving artisanal production, market knowledge, and export orientation. Notable efforts include the establishment of centers of excellence for sectors such as carpets and pottery. Certification programs and quality labels have also been introduced, with more than 69 collective brands. Akhannouch highlighted a 55% increase in the number of enrollees in training establishments, indicating a proactive approach in preparing the next generation of skilled artisans. The Prime Minister reiterated the executive’s steadfast commitment to developing mechanisms for training the next generation of artisans, modernizing the craft sector, and addressing challenges such as competitiveness, digitization, inclusion, and youth integration. Akhannouch praised the organization of the National Craft Week, describing it as a crucial event that brings together stakeholders in the sector to consolidate achievements, showcase capacities, and address ongoing challenges. The 8th National Craft Week, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, has attracted more than 350 participants from twenty different countries, further confirming the international appeal of Moroccan craftsmanship.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation, or natural beauty, are defined as natural heritage. The Kingdom of Morocco accepted the convention on 28 October 1975, making its historical sites eligible for inclusion on the list. There are nine World Heritage Sites in Morocco, all selected for their cultural significance. Morocco’s first site, Medina of Fez, was inscribed on the list at the 5th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France in 1981. The most recent inscription, Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage, was added to the list in 2012. In addition, Morocco maintains a further 13 properties on the tentative list. Morocco has served on the World Heritage Committee twice. Site Location (region) Year listed Description Medina of Fez Fès-Meknès 1981 Fez was founded in the 9th century, reached its apogee as the capital of the Marinid Sultanate in the 13th and 14th centuries, and remained the capital of the country until 1912. The medina is one of the most extensive and best-preserved old towns in the Muslim world. The main monuments date to the medieval period and include mosques, madrasas, palaces, and fountains. Medina of Marrakesh Marrakesh–Safi 1985 Marrakesh was founded in the 1070s as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty. It later became the capital of the Almohad dynasty, until the 13th century when the capital was moved to Fez. There are numerous monuments in the city including the Koutoubia Mosque (pictured), Jemaa el-Fnaa square, El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, several mosques, and madrasas. The medina remains a living town, preserving its traditional architecture, crafts, and trades.[8] Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou Drâa-Tafilalet 1987 Ait-Ben-Haddou is a ksar, a fortified village, a representative example of a settlement in southern Morocco. It was located on a trans-Saharan trade route. Earthen buildings are packed close together and defensive walls are fortified by towers at the corners. Some of the houses are decorated with motifs in clay brick. The earliest buildings of Ait-Ben-Haddou date from the 17th century although the construction techniques were already present in earlier periods in the region. Historic City of Meknes Fès-Meknès 1996 Meknes was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids. In the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Isma’il ibn Sharif of the Alawi dynasty made it his capital and commissioned substantial construction projects, including monumental defensive walls and ramparts and the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail. The city layout incorporates both Islamic and European aspects of architecture and town planning. Bab Mansur al-‘Alj is pictured. Archaeological site of Volubilis Fès-Meknès 1997 Volubilis was founded in the 3rd century BCE as the capital of Mauretania. It was then an important Roman outpost and in the 8th century briefly the capital of the Idrisid dynasty. Afterwards, the site was not occupied for nearly a thousand years. This resulted in remains having been well preserved, making Volubilis one of the richest sites for archeology in North Africa. The remains demonstrate the interactions of different cultures of the Mediterranean through centuries. A mosaic from the Roman period is pictured. A minor boundary modification took place in 2008. Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin) Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima 1997 Located just south of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tétouan served as the connection point between Morocco and Andalusia from the 8th century onward. Following the Reconquista, it was rebuilt by refugees expelled by the Spanish, and the Andalusian influence is clearly visible in arts and architecture. In the following centuries, it served as the meeting point between the Spanish and Arab civilizations. The medina quarter is among the smallest in Morocco but it is well preserved. Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) Marrakesh-Safi 2001 Essaouira was founded by the Alawi Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah in the second half of the 18th century, with the aim of establishing a major port and trading centre. The city was designed by French architects who followed the principles of French military engineer Marquis of Vauban. In the late 18th and 19th centuries, Essaouira was one of the major Atlantic trading centres between Africa and Europe. Today, the city mainly preserves its European appearance. Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) Casablanca-Settat 2004 In the early 16th century, the Portuguese built the fortified colony of Mazagão as one of the stops on the route to India. They kept it until 1769. The city fortifications followed the principles of Renaissance military engineering, with a star fort plan. Inside the walls, several historic buildings have been preserved, including the Manueline Church of the Assumption and the cistern. Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage Rabat-Salé-Kénitra 2012 Rabat was rebuilt as the capital of the French protectorate from 1912 to the 1930s. The city is a good example of early 20th century urban planning and is one of the biggest and most ambitious urban projects of the period in Africa. The modern city integrates the buildings from the earlier periods, including the 12th century Kasbah of the Udayas (walls pictured), Hassan Tower, and the Almohad walls and ramparts.
