Festivals in Morocco




Knowing when to be in Morocco is part of the fun of booking your trip. There are a number of Muslim and national festivals held throughout the year, and when you travel to Morocco, you may want to consider booking your vacation in conjunction with one of these events. In fact, almost every month of the year features at least one festival you can attend. The festivals are based on the lunar calendar rather than the western calendar so you will need to check with the Morocco tourism board before you book your flight if there is a specific festival you want to see.





In January, there are two festivals: New Years Day and Independence Celebration. New Years Day is a western celebration not unlike many held around the world. Independence Celebration is secular and is only one of five held throughout the year.





February is the celebration of Tafraoute and Aid Al Adha. Tafraoute celebrates the end of the winter rains found in the lower elevations of Morocco. The rains are helpful to the crops, but Moroccans also feel a celebration for the upcoming season is necessary. Aid Al Adha or A'd el-Khebir is a commemoration festival of Abraham's sacrifice. This festival is fun to watch, but you will not be able to participate in much of it.





March and April have four celebrations: Beni Mellal, Fatih Mouharam, Ashura, and Aid el Arch. Beni Mellal celebrates the cotton harvest. Fatih Mouharam is the Islamic new year celebration. Ashura is a day of tithing celebrated by certain local groups only. Aid el Arch is a celebration to honor the coronation of King Mohammed VI.





If you visit Morocco in May, expect to find Moulay Bousselham, Berkane, El Kelia des Mgouna, Labor Day, Id el Mouloud, and Ben Aissa Moussem festivals. El Kelia des Mgouna is also known as the Rose Festival and is held to celebrate the new crops. It is one of the most popular celebrations that Westerners enjoy attending.





June is the month of the Music Festival, Independence Day, Goulimine, Tan Tan and Gnaoua Festival. The Music Festival is held in Fez, and hundreds of musicians from around the world come to celebrate music and different musical traditions. It is a sharing of cultures and traditions, and visitors leave with a new understanding of what music is in other parts of the world.





July festivals include Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival, Tetouan, Sefrou Cherry Harvest, Al Hoceima Sea Harvest, and Celebration of the Throne. Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival depicts traditional Moroccan folklore through performances, theater, music and other art forms.





The Asilah Arts Festival, Celebration of the Young, Setti Fatma, Sefrou Moussem, El Jadida, Tiznit, Immouzeer du Kandar, and Immouzer des Ida Outanane festivals are held in August. Many of these festivals are popular celebrations of Moussem.





Chechaouen and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun host their Mouseem Festivals in September. September is also when Imichil is held; this marriage festival is held in the Atlas Mountains. It offers traditional marriage customs and costumes for visitors to enjoy.





September has only one festival called the Date Festival, which is held in Erfoud. November marks Ramadan, Independence Day, Eid al Fitr, and the Harvest Festival of Erfoud. December holds Rafsae and Hajj Day. Not all of these festivals are popular among Western visitors; however, if you are there when one of these festivals is occurring, you will likely encounter music, fireworks, costumes and other traditions. Any religious festivals should not be interrupted, but observed quietly.





Sam Mitchell is a freelance writer for Journey Beyond Travel, an eco-friendly, sustainable tour operator setting up a variety of Morocco tours. JBT specializes in High Atlas trekking excursions as well as other cultural itineraries. For more information on planning your Morocco holiday, visit Journey Beyond Travel's Morocco travel guide.



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You Can Fly From the UK to Marrakech If You Don't Want to Drive




Those who are planning a vacation to the United Kingdom are going to appreciate the fact that they can get from the UK to Marrakech without breaking the bank. There are two different types of flights that are offered from the United Kingdom. The first are the commercial flights and the second are charter flights. Both offer positive and negative aspects for their own means of flying to Marrakech from the UK.





Charter Flights



A charter flight is a very good option as it can save a family a good deal of money. There are not going to be many commercial flights that are going to be as cheap as a charter flight. These charters are sold as a package deal so it there is the added bonus of not having to worry about accommodations or sight-seeing trips as these are all going to be included in the package.



If you are just looking for a cheap flight without the package, you are going to need to purchase your flight from the UK as these seats are only sold after the packages have been filled. This is the only downside to flying through a charter flight company. It is really not a down side but it can leave the flight plans up in the air before you travel to the UK.





Do not look for all the bells and whistles that you would get on a commercial flight. The reason these seats come at a discount is because they do not offer any extras. You are paying for a flight and only a flight. It is also recommended that you bring your own snacks and drinks for the time you are going to be flying.





Commercial Flights



Many of the major commercial airlines in the United Kingdom offer flights to Marrakech. These flights are also cheap and many business class flights can be had for just over one hundred English pounds which is roughly two hundred dollars. This price can vary depending on the exchange rate when the flight is purchased. Those who want to fly commercially to Marrakech from the UK, then you should find out what the exchange rate is try to book it when the rate is best for the US dollar.



Coach flights are offered at a lower rate, but with the cost and comfort of business class flights, many are going to feel that business class is the better option. Those on a tight budget are going to want to look at the coach fares to see if they are more affordable than the business class flights are going to be. If you are looking for a package deal, you do not have to stick with the charter flights as there are many packages available from commercial airlines as well.





If you want to expand your family's vacation to include Africa, then Morocco is the best option. There are many flights daily that leave the UK and go directly to Marrakech. This is a beautiful country with loads of history that you can become a part of with one of these types of flights.





If you're planning a trip to Morocco and you are looking for a fantastic place to stay, consider Marrakech Riad. They have fabulous Marrakech accommodation [http://www.marrakech-riad.co.uk/reservations.php] and pleasant, helpful staff to ensure your stay is the best imaginable.



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The Morocco Adventure




Some experiences are thought to create psychological and physiological arousal by an exciting, unusual, bold, risky and uncertain undertaking termed adventure. It is a major pursuit of it in itself. An adventurer or adventuress is the one who believes in the existence of fun from risks in life; be it physical, financial or psychological for the recreation with excitement endured in the process. Travelling can be the most satisfying adventure involving exploration and tourism to remote, exotic as well as hostile areas by stepping out of one's own comfort zone.





Struck by Lonely Planet or Travelogues, Africa is place of deprivations but not when it comes to adventurous explorations. With every turn of the head, there is something new and exciting to venture out into being one of the many authentic destinations. It's second to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.





It is a constitutional monarchy located in the North Africa. The political capital of the country is "Rabat" with "Casablanca" being the largest city. It has always been known for its Islamic liberalism and openness towards the Western world. Morocco is a diverse place with culture and geography. Languages spoken here are Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French and Berber. Same way Moroccan literature is written in Arabic, Berber and French. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread with trance music with historical origins in Muslim Sufi music.





The landscapes are a wild mix up of mountainous regions, calm coastal enclaves and barren deserts. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Spain (through the Straits of Gibraltar) to the north and Mauritania with the Western Sahara to south. There is miserable climatic variation in the country. In the north, around Tangiers and the Rif Mountains; sunny and dry summers run from May to September. South experiences desert climate with very little rain, soaring temperatures during the day and sharp drops to cooler temperatures at night. During rainy season, The Atlantic coast receives rain and during winters, the High Atlas Mountains are blessed with snow.





There are frequent flights from most major European cities to Morocco and an option of overland travel through Europe via the Straits of Gibraltar. The infrastructure in Morocco is good with well serviced roads and public transport in the North as well as Central regions but further south the roads get narrower plus bumpier. The major cities of Morocco are Marrakech, Fès, Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat. Notable fact is that Morocco is the starting point for travelling all across Africa.





The country is divided into three natural regions. The fertile northern coastal plain along the Mediterranean contains Er Rif; the rich plateaus and lowlands lying between the Atlas Mountains. It extends in three parallel ranges from the Atlantic coast in the southwest to Algeria and the Mediterranean in the northeast. The semiarid area in southern and eastern Morocco merges into the Sahara Desert. Morocco has the most extensive river system in North Africa with most of the rivers flowing towards the Atlantic or Sahara. The Moulouya is an exception and flows to the Mediterranean. Principal rivers of the country are Oumer River, Sebou, Bou Regreg, Tensift, Draa, Sous, Ziz and Gheris. Its 1800 kilometers of coastline offers exhilarating waterborne and wind loving activities in this region. Seaside entertainments include surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, Trekking, rafting, mountain biking, off-road driving are inland sources to boost up the adrenaline.





The best time to visit the place is the autumn as it marks the end of the Muslim period of fasting, Ramadan. Though the accommodation prices hike, it is the time to dive into the winding streets of the Fès medina or even snag you a wife at Imilchil's Berber Marriage festival. The warm days and cool nights of autumn offer a great deal with nature in Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains, the Anti-Atlas Mountains with volcanic Mt. Siroua, Mountain Jebel Toubkal (North Africa's highest peak), Rif Mountains in the north and the gorgeous Ameln Valley hold the major attraction for trekking destinations. Set beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains with red-tiled roofs, bright blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on a delightful square; "Chefchaouen" is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. Avoid visiting the place in August due to the immense heat it tolerates at that time and the holy month of Ramadan when most of the restaurants will be shut during the day.





The currency utilized here is Dirham (Dh) with 8.15 Dirham equal to 1 US Dollar. The common phrases of communication with the Moroccans whose most cherished possession is their dignity are Ssalamu'lekum (hello, literally peace be upon you); Shukran Bezzef (thank you very much) and Insh'allah (God willing). Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals but are somewhat weak according to western standards.





The people of Morocco are well-known for their warmth, hospitality and inhibition. It is very common to be showered with invitations for coffee or tea throughout one's stay. The cuisine of Morocco is rated among the best in the world and falls into two specific categories. The first category requires intensive supervision and the host do not participate in the preparations. No women are present and the male host merely oversees the banquet with his sons and servants. Men squat on mattresses or pillows around low and beautifully laid tables. A silver ewer of perfumed water is taken around and poured over three fingers of the right hand of each guest. The host claps his hands to begin the meal. One course after another and each delicacy is served until Chban (complete satiation) is achieved. To finish the Savor, silver ewer filled with warm water is presented to clean the mouth, lips and hands.





The meal is considered as a feast for the Gods which begins and ends with Bismillah (God's blessing). In the second category of cookery, the dishes are prepared with love and care by the mistresses of the homes (Dadas). She spends hours with her glazed earthenware with copper cooking dishes, her kanoun (the movable clay brazier) and the charcoal to perfume the kebabs which allows the sauces to simmer under its heat. A folded carpet serves as a seat. The Dada is dressed in a long colorful robe with the scents of coriander, cumin, saffron, marjoram and onion mingling with the pungency of olive oil as well as the sweetness of sandalwood, mint plus roses to delight the senses. The dinner starts with Bstilla, followed by the typical brochette or kebab flavored with bits of beef or lamb fat. Next comes the Tajine (chicken or meat in a spicy stew which has been simmered for many hours) served with a flat homemade bread called Khubz. In Morocco, as in most Arab lands; every household makes its own bread. After the Tajine, a Batinjaan Zalud (eggplant salad or chopped tomato salad) is served as a separate course. After this, Couscous Marrakesh, the marvelous Moroccan national dish made of semolina with each grain separate from the other is served. The dinner is completed with slices or wedges of peeled melon La Morocaine pastries made with honey and almond land finally a small glass of mint tea. The following dinner is a very much simplified version but it is delicious gives the "feel" of Morocco.





To know the high risk associated with the trip and avoidance to death, check the latest travel news and advisories with current government warnings if you are heading to the area for the history of explosions. Travelling to the Western Sahara region of Morocco is not advised due to the presence of landmines. Though amidst all the fuss; Moroccan adventure caravan tour, North morocco plus Fez Escape tour, Moroccan adventure holiday and self drive tours to the southern coast of Morocco can be a boon to an adventurous mind. Morocco is enlightened with such undoubtedly splendid pride and vastness available in resources to fulfill the lavish hunger for adventure, food and life. It can surely be an obsession that would make one smile with an inspiration to give.



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