Fantasia shows in Morocco are an interesting option for those who wish to add a signature show to their trip. In this post, we explain what they involve, what they include, and where these performances take place—performances that we can include in your itinerary, should you wish.
What fantasia shows in Morocco are
“Fantasia” is the term used for Morocco’s equestrian shows. The local term is tbourida, but internationally “fantasia” is more widely used, probably because it was popularized by the painter Eugene Delacroix in the 19th century, as well as other great Orientalist artists who were fascinated by these shows.
Although their origin is uncertain, it is known that for centuries they have been widespread throughout the Maghreb and may have served as a display of military strength: in practice, it is a group of horses forming a squadron, whose riders are armed and, at the climax of the demonstration, fire their rifles with a thunderous roar. A reenactment, therefore, of the attack-and-retreat tactic.
They were used to “welcome” important guests, who were impressed by their scale, and more recently they were adapted to major events, such as weddings of prominent figures or moussems (popular festivals). Today, they have become one of the most fascinating spectacles that tourists visiting Morocco can witness. Indeed, they were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
What these shows include
As we mentioned, the basis of these shows is the display of horses and armed riders—up to 25 individuals in many cases. They are dressed in the traditional way, including turbans and caftans, and move in unison in a demonstration of skill and strength. Sometimes they are organized as competitions, in different categories, and the prize goes to the squadron with the best staging: synchronized movements, the riders’ attire, the animals’ elegance, etc.
However, fantasia shows in Morocco are not made up of tbourida alone: it is common for the evenings to also include traditional music performances (especially gnawa) and a dinner featuring local cuisine, where dishes such as harira, sweets such as briwat, or drinks such as green mint tea are often served.
If these shows take place as part of a moussem, it is common for market stalls in a fair-like setting to be set up around the venue, where traditional products are sold or other related events take place, such as parades or beauty contests. All of this is typically attended by local dignitaries.
Where these shows take place
Fantasia shows in Morocco are held, as one would expect, in large spaces, whose central area is an open expanse like a sand racetrack where the squadrons move. In general, these large spaces used to be located on the outskirts of cities or even in the middle of the desert. The best example is in Tan-Tan, a town in the south of the country where these equestrian demonstrations are especially famous.
However, given the tourist appeal of these shows, in recent years other venues have been set up, staged with Berber tents to offer an even more immersive experience. For example, in the Marrakech Palm Grove, often sponsored by restaurants and promoters in the sector.
Morocco’s Atlantic coast, especially in its southern section, also has a long tradition of fantasia, with cities such as El Jadida or Kenitra that always include them in their moussems, or even in major holiday destinations such as Agadir, well aware of how spectacular they are.
