"Tbourida" shows, falconry, culinary arts, musical and folk evenings under tents; this is the atmosphere promised by the 2015 edition of the Moulay Abdellah Amghar Moussem, scheduled from 7 to 14 August.
The commune of Moulay Abdellah is organising the Moulay Abdellah Amghar Moussem from 7 to 14 August, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This event has become a major annual meeting point for both the inhabitants of the province and for national and foreign tourists. The event is organised in collaboration with the province of El Jadida, the Provincial Association for Cultural Affairs (APAC) and the provincial council of El Jadida.
In the ancient city of "Tit", located 10 km south-west of El Jadida, a sumptuous village of tents will be set up for the great Amghariyine Moussem, housing the temporary homes of families (more than 22,500 tents). Along the coastal road, near the "mahrek", the ground for traditional equestrian arts, majestic caidal tents will be erected to welcome riders, guests and folk troupes. This Moussem brings together more than 500,000 people who come from all corners of the Kingdom to pay their respects at the tomb of the Saint Moulay Abdellah Amghar, whose sanctuary is meticulously maintained by his descendants. In addition to religious events, this event also includes cultural, recreational and entertainment activities. Unmissable, the fantasias evoke warrior battles, while folk songs and dances recall the way combatants were entertained. For 7 days, from 9:30 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm until sunset, the 2,000 riders, dazzling in their white djellabas and traditional finery, holding their rifles pointed towards the sky with one hand, will "clash" in an atmosphere of popular celebration, in order to testify to their attachment to the values of our civilisation and our traditions. Obviously, it is the horse that will be in the spotlight.
In addition, a show will punctuate the opening of the festivities with a folk performance of the fantasia, punctuated by folk troupes (Ghiyata, Issawa, Dakka marrakchia, Gnawa…). Not to mention that nocturnal Fantasia shows will also be organised. Thus, the "mahrek" space will offer the public a memorable Fantasia show where the different "sorba" (troupes) will compete in dexterity, skill and synchronisation of volleys under the watchful eye of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Horse (SOREC). The evenings will also be very lively throughout the period of the Moussem with a panel of artists to accompany the festivities, such as Khoute Laâlam, Kamal Laâbdi, Saïd Lakhribgui, Abdelâaziz Stati, Tagada, Najwa Itab and Saïd Ould Lhouate.
In addition to the shows by the artists scheduled by the organisers, festival-goers will be able to attend performances by "h’layqia" (storytellers) in the open air within the "mahrek", as well as a traditional wrestling competition (mchaoucha) organised by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Associated Wrestling. Fantasias, falconry (Lakouassem falconers), culinary arts, musical and folk evenings under tents; this is the atmosphere that reigns during this Moussem. And it is precisely thanks to these ingredients that this colourful festival has been able to establish itself as a landmark event in the region. The fame of Moulay Abdellah Amghar has crossed the borders of the Doukkala and even those of the Kingdom. Also, the Moussem, celebrated for hundreds of years by the Doukkala tribes in memory of the saint Moulay Abdellah Amghar, is mentioned in guides and foreign satellite channels as a choice spectacle for tourists.
