In Morocco, celebrations punctuate the year and particularly the religious ones, whose dates vary each year. They are set by the Hegira, a lunar calendar which has approximately ten days less than the Gregorian calendar.

The three major Muslim celebrations

The moussems not to be missed

The moussems are regional celebrations, secular or religious and which celebrate the nature, the crops or a venerated character (like a saint, for instance). Big markets, fairs, street shows and other festivities are often organized on that occasion.

One of the most famous is the engagement in Imilchil: it is said that in this region, the wedding of a young couple in love, coming from two rival Berber tribes did not take place because of their families. Out of grief, they started to cry and their tears gave rise to two lakes: the lakes Tislit and Isely. In front of such a proof of love, the two families agreed to the wedding and since, these tribes gather each year at the end of the harvests. Even if this moussem became quite touristy, it still allows the big Berber tribes to weave links, often with the aim of being engaged: many Berber women go there wearing a traditional outfit to find a husband.

Each year, around January and February takes place the almond trees moussem in Tafraout: dancers, musicians, storytellers gather during their blossoming to celebrate the premises of the arrival of Spring season. This moussem allows people to know about this ancestral culture, as well as revitalizing the region’s economy at the same time. The cultivation, harvesting and the treatment of almonds is a part of the country’s heritage.

Eventually, the Tan Tan moussem, designated in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage in 2008 gathers each year more than thirty Saharan nomad tribes and ensures the survival of their savoir-faire and traditions. Camel fairs, singing shows, dances, poetry contests and different games are organized and attract a lot of people each year: many celebrities largely known of the general public are invited each year.