Berber Festivals In Morocco

Submitted by: Jude Limburn Turner

Morocco is a diverse country, home to people of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, whose traditions have been shaped by relations to other peoples to greater or lesser degrees. One of the most interesting groups of people are the Berbers, who have maintained a relatively isolated, un-changed lifestyle within Morocco and elsewhere in northern Africa. Berber culture itself is far from homogenous, though, with such fundamental differences as some tribes having patriarchal social structures and others being matriarchal. In certain regions, different Berber communities have developed festivals and performances, which some visitors to the country on a Morocco trekking experience are fortunate enough to witness.

Udayn n Acur

The Berber city of Goulmima is situated in an agricultural oasis, fed by the Wadi Gheri from the central High Atlas Mountains. Approximately 18,000 people live in Goulmima; they are predominantly Muslim although in the past many Jews also dwelled there. Evidence for this lies in the festival s name: Udayn n Acur, which means the Jew of Ashoura . The festival is rooted in old Judeo-Berber tradition and features youths dressed in masks they parade around the city, often shouting slogans against the government and calling for Berber rights. A political protest staged as a carnival may surprise some of those visiting Morocco, trekking and encountering the local people; but those who take the time to see what s going on will learn more about the nuances of Morocco s cultural make-up.

Fantasia

Fantasia (more traditionally known as the Game of Gunpowder) is a widespread horse riding performance in Morocco, incorporated into festivals across the country. It is linked closely to the Berber people: it is traditionally performed to close Berber wedding celebrations in Maghreb, and its inspiration comes from skilled Berber horsemanship in wartime. A highlight of any Morocco trekking holiday would be an opportunity to observe the Game of Gunpowder.

A group of horse riders wearing traditional clothes charge forwards at the same speed, forming a perfect line. At the end of the ride, which is usually about 200 metres long, all the riders fire their old gunpowder-loaded weapons into the air at the same time so that only a single shot is heard. While that sounds simple, it takes a surprising amount of skill – riding and firing in perfect unison is not at all easy.

Betrothal Festival

Many a Morocco trekking enthusiast has encountered the famous Betrothal Festival of Imilchil: its dancing, music, feasts and colourful clothing are highly enjoyable and definitely memorable. The festival originates from a legend of two tragic lovers. Conservative social rules among the scattered Berber villages of the region meant that people from different tribes couldn t marry one another. A young man and woman from different tribes encountered each other one day, and quickly fell in love but were forbidden by their families from meeting. In their grief, they cried themselves to death. Their tears created two lakes: Isli (his) and Tislit (hers). The families, shocked and saddened by the loss of their beloved son and daughter, decided to establish a single day each year when members of different tribes could marry one another. Ever after, the Betrothal Festival has been held on the anniversary of the day the lovers died.

This festival enables young men and women, who are restricted by rules like those in the legend, to be introduced to one another and find a partner. Fathers bring their daughters to the festival in the hope that one of the young, unmarried men will be a suitable husband.

There are concerns that an influx of visitors will negatively impact the festivities, as with the male tourists who got too interested in a Hmong (South-east Asia) New Year ball-tossing game that can facilitate courtship between adolescents. Those on a Morocco trekking holiday who are able to visit Imilchil at the time of the Betrothal Festival should take care to only observe, respecting the traditions of the local men and women.

About the Author: Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run a unique range of

Morocco trekking

experiences. They offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Source:

isnare.com

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