The Moussems of Morocco are popular and traditional festivals (different from music festivals) that are celebrated in the country. They usually focus on a main theme, related to some identity element of the hosting population: an indigenous product, a local natural resource, a representative religious figure or episode, etc. But the celebration goes much further, with a program that usually includes a fair and cultural activities. Below, we tell you more and mention some of the most famous Moussems in Morocco, in case they coincide with your trip and you wish to experience them up close.
Moussem of Tan Tan
It is perhaps the most famous and characteristic, but also the furthest from any major tourist destination: it takes place in Tan Tan, which is in the southern region of Guelmim-Oued-Río Nun, about 550 km from Marrakech, which means a 6 and a half hour drive, although it also has a small national airport.
The Moussem of Tan Tan is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the best example of traditional festivals that are set up in the desert to hold different celebrations, in this case to organize the meeting between different desert tribes, for commercial and diplomatic purposes.
With this pretext, a large enclosure is created where there is a craft fair, sale of local food products, folkloric and musical performances, and above all, a great equestrian art show.
Moussem of the Roses
Celebrated in the Valley of the Roses, which is located in the Dades Valley. In this area, during the time of the French Protectorate of Morocco, large-scale cultivation of rose bushes was promoted, in order to exploit their industrial benefits, such as cosmetics. This means that in spring, the entire valley is filled with color thanks to the blooming of these plants.
And to celebrate this moment, a great moussem is organized in the city of Kelaa M’Gouna, considered the epicenter of said valley. The moussem’s program is varied, but there is always a large fairground where all kinds of rose-based products or rose essence are sold, such as perfumes and soaps.
There are also folkloric performances, musical concerts, and even the election of Miss Rose, which rewards the most beautiful girl of that year, making the entire local population feel involved in the festivity.
Moussem of the Cherries
A moussem similar to the previous one is that of the Cherries, in the city of Sefrou. In this town, just 30 km from Fez, a great festival is celebrated with this fruit as the protagonist, as cherry trees are very prominent in the surrounding fields.
It is usually celebrated in July, when cherries are harvested. The food stalls at the fair are filled with this fruit and products made from it, such as jams. Parades, music, beauty contest, children’s games… It has all the ingredients of a popular moussem, and it also has the honor of being protected by UNESCO, as it is declared a World Heritage Site.
These are just some of the moussems of Morocco, but there are many others, organized for very different reasons, such as the date harvest. Therefore, if you want to experience one of them, you can ask us when we are organizing your trip. And if one coincides with the dates of your stay in the country, we will consider the possibility of adding it to the program, if you wish.
