Get To Know
What's a Moussem ?
The Moussem is a traditional, cultural festival in Morocco, frequently held in rural areas, and constituting an integral part of the cultural and social life of communities in those regions. These festivals usually blend components of heritage , celebration, and commerce.
Moussems differ from one region to another, with each having its own distinct customs and traditions. They offer insight into Morocco’s abundant cultural diversity and provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the Moroccans way of life .
Local Events
What's Included ?
Music
Traditional Moroccan music, including Issawa, Hamadsha, Gnawa and El Melhoun, can delight your ears, immersing you in an atmosphere of merriment at times and a sense of tranquility and spiritual peace at other times.
Fantasia
Behold the magnificent Moroccan heritage: "Tbourida", where the remarkable harmony between the rider and the horse is on display, accompanied by the splendor of traditional Moroccan attire, and the spectacle of gunpowder shots soaring into the sky.
Animals
Take pleasure in being in the company of animals, joining in the celebrations in their honor, and discovering their close connection with local residents and their significant role in supporting and enhancing life.
EVENTS
Immerse Yourself in Events
and Explore Local Culture
Weekly Souk
While it may not be classified as a Moussem, there is another noteworthy event in Moulay Idriss that deserves recognition. This is the weekly collective market, which takes place every Saturday in the Oued El Mit neighborhood of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. At this market, a wide variety of goods is available, including vegetables, fruits, poultry, oil, spices, grains, clothing, and more.
The market has a significant impact on the region’s commercial activity, contributing positively to the local economy. It’s worth noting that there are over 800 weekly souks in the kingdom, and they are considered a part of Morocco’s cultural heritage.
Free and Public
Every Saturday
moulay Idriss
Moussem of Moulay Idriss
The Moussem of Moulay Idriss is a cultural festival organized annually to celebrate the memory of Idriss I, the prophet’s great-grandson, the builder of the city and the founder of the Moroccan state. Visitors come every year from all over the Kingdom, bringing gifts for the Chourfa, Idriss’s grandchildren, and are accompanied by traditional music groups.
The Issawa, Hamadsha, and Gnawa musical groups all contribute to filling the town square with a sense of fun and joy throughout the Moussem period. Additionally, special musical nights are organized in homes and at the Zawyia.
Free and Public
Aug
Moulay Idriss
Moussem of Zagota
The Moussem of Zaggota is considered one of the largest equestrian and tabourida festivals in Morocco. This traditional festival takes place in the village of Zaggota, which is only 16 km away from Moulay Idriss.
Competing teams come from all over Morocco, donning traditional clothing and carrying daggers and rifles. They are also enthusiastic about bringing their finest horses and skilled cavalry to participate in the show.
The horses start galloping rapidly, and just before reaching the finish line, the knights launch gunpowder into the sky, creating a scene reminiscent of Ancient History.
In addition to the equestrian events, there are concerts performed by Moroccan artists and various other activities that add a special elegance to the place.
Free and Public
N/A
Zagota Village
Donkey Festival
This festival is held in the historic village of Kasbah Beni Ammar, situated near Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. The donkey is celebrated as a symbol of dedication and hard work, and as a loyal friend to humans throughout the ages.
Special competitions for donkeys are organized, including contests for the fastest donkey and the most beautiful donkey. The organizers strictly prohibit any form of violence towards donkeys during the competition.
The winners, all of whom hail from the region, receive cash prizes and bags of barley for their donkeys. Additionally, the Animal Welfare Society covers the costs of veterinary examinations and treatments for the donkeys.
In addition to the donkey competitions, the festival also features a wide array of cultural, artistic, literary, and social activities.
