By Michelle Bouchard

New York - I left Morocco and returned to the States a few months ago. However I did not want to write about my experiences immediately upon my return. Perhaps the memories about specific people and moments would have been sharper in my mind had I written this earlier, but I believe that whatever has stuck with me now truly constitutes my perspective on Morocco. The things I’ve learned and experiences I’ve gained in Morocco could not be truly manifested until I returned home and applied them to my life here. After Morocco, I am more aware of cultural differences, but also, and perhaps more importantly, cultural similarities.

I was not sure quite what to expect when travelling to Morocco. Never before had I been to a country beyond the limited scope of North America and Western Europe. Anything beyond my narrow experience was foreign territory, both literally and metaphorically. The basic expectations of camels and deserts and dancing did not necessarily go unfounded but there was certainly so much more. I did indulge in the stereotypical touristic experiences for a weekend. My friend and I traveled to Marrakech, rode camels through the desert, and got henna in the medina. It was great, but the best and most meaningful part of my trip was staying with a wonderful family in Rabat.

[caption id="attachment_184842" align="aligncenter" width="943"] Photo by Emma Julia Vos/MWN[/caption]

My host family consisted of a mother, father, and two young school aged children. The generosity and hospitality that my friend and I were treated with was something that I never would have expected.  It is not that I wouldn’t have expected it because I was in a different country, but because I have never seen a family go so out of their way to make sure we were safe, comfortable, and constantly full. Despite the language barrier, our family made clear to us that we were as welcome in their home as they were. This sense of hospitality is one which continued throughout the entirety of my trip. The naivety of two young American girls exploring a country on our own was never much of an issue when the Moroccan people we encountered were so willing to help.

Our first day in Morocco was filled with excitement and hesitancy. From the moment we stepped off the airplane, to driving to our school and admiring the changing landscapes spanning from mountains to metropoles, we realized that any expectations we had harbored would have to be discarded.

[caption id="attachment_184844" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Photo by Jack Stanvsek/MWN[/caption]

Although I expected it, I was still a little caught off guard by the language barrier. However, our savior ended up being the generosity of the people we found ourselves surrounded with. For instance, when my friend and I were in desperate need of a dollar-dirham exchange, we found our only option to be a man we met on the street. We assumed he would take advantage of our desperation and give us a bad deal. However, we went ahead and exchanged the money anyways. Only later did we realize that he did not make any profit whatsoever, he was just helping us out.

Another surprise was encountering several taxi drivers who would drive us around aimlessly when we could not pronounce the name of the street we were going to. Despite the frustration endured and time taken, they reduced the fare to what it was before we got lost. Events that we perceived as potentially dangerous or unlikely to end well due to our experience in other countries were handled with a generosity and chivalry that we never could have expected.

[caption id="attachment_184841" align="aligncenter" width="1081"] Gnaoua Musicians in Merzouga, Morocco. Photo by Kelsey Fish[/caption]

In terms of culture, the music, food, people, and traditions are part of what I will miss most about my short trip. While the culture was a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and French traditions, it had the ability to unify a country of people. This was beautiful in itself.  More often than not during my trip, I felt welcomed into the culture and treated as a camaraderie. As different as the culture was from that of the U.S., I saw how the two cultures could blend harmoniously, a lesson that I will hold with me forever.

Thank you, Morocco. For everything.

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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By Christopher Thomas

Rabat - As an American living in Morocco, I have been both confused and delighted by a variety of cultural differences. One common activity in both cultures is infused with tradition and ritual: dinner. A true Moroccan dinner is an experience that no foreign should miss.

The first difference to note is dinner time. My Moroccan host family eats dinner around 10:30 each night, which I soon learned was rather early. This was quite a jarring gap to breach, shifting from an American dinner at 6:00 in the evening. Fortunately, the street offers plenty of pastries, fruit, and casual meals to hold over any wanting appetite until dinner.

The meals themselves are often traditional dishes with cultural significance behind the ingredients, the eating methods, and the treatment of a dinner guest. Most common among my dinners was tagine, a mixture of vegetables (especially potatoes), meat, and sauce prepared and served from a large pottery dish also called a tagine. The food, especially the meat, is gathered in the center like a small mountain. Each diner has a zone to eat from, like the closest slice from an imaginary pie. Instead of Western utensils, Moroccans eat with khubz, the classic round bread. It is broken into pieces for each person, and used to scoop sauce and food like an edible spoon.

The ways to eat are notable as well: the right hand is almost exclusively used to handle food. However, after several failed attempts to tear khubz with one hand, I was relieved to learn that both hands were allowed for this task. Khubz itself carries cultural weight beyond its affordable price. As the cornerstone of all meals, it is seen as emblematic of all food and should never be wasted.

One member of the family says “Bismillah,” or “By God’s will,” and the eating begins. The culture of hospitality places the burden on hosts to ensure that their guest is full. Continually passing more food, especially the finest portions, to their guest is normal. This leads up to the greatest challenge a guest will face at the dinner table: a full stomach. Regular choruses of “Kul, kul” (eat, eat) are always recited towards the guest, whether the guest is eating or not, and complying with every order to eat is a fast way to become stuffed past capacity.

Demanding that a guest eat is a host’s duty, not a judgement on the guest’s appetite, and should be responded to as such. If guests want to continue eating, they can continue eating. Insisting that you are full with a polite “Ana shbet, hamdulillah” (I am full, thanks be to God) along with compliments for the meal, should eventually end the encouragement to eat. The host may insist the guest continue eating, but any guests should feel comfortable insisting that they are full. Especially delicious food, as in my circumstances, made this even more difficult. The first battle was between my mouth and my stomach, the next battle in my attempts to convince my family that I was full.

Couscous, the Friday dish important enough to merit early dismissal from work or school, has its own set of rules. The grain-like food is also prepared and served in a tagine, and is mixed with vegetables and even meat. Again, the diners each have a zone, and again they rarely encroach on someone else’s territory except to offer them a particularly tasty morsel. Some eat with spoons and some prefer to ball the couscous with their hands.

Alongside this traditional (and quite filling) dish is lben, a form of buttermilk. Foreigners often find it revolting, but after suffering through it for two Fridays (although I could have politely declined), I discovered that it was an acquired taste. Now, I cannot eat couscous without my lben.

Finally, it is the host’s role to clean the dishes. Any attempt from a guest to help will be dismissed, since it is the guest’s role to be served. Complimenting the food is the proper way to thank a host, while forcibly clearing the dishes can insult hosts’ abilities to accommodate their guest.

Eating dinner in a truly Moroccan style is an essential part of learning local culture, as well as an enjoyable and delicious experience. While I cannot speak for all foreigners, I have taken to local cuisine with gusto, and plan to take a few recipes home with me. The depth of traditions and culture wrapped up in Moroccan dinner add gravity to an already delightful daily ritual.

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission

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AN ETHNIC FOOD: TABADIRT or ABADIR

By Ali Oukhouya

Fez - Luciano Pavarotti famously said “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.” From this quote, one’s mind is set on tenterhooks if one does not eat; that is, one will continue seeking to set it to rest at all costs, instead.

Whenever one yearns for tranquility, one will naturally commence to considering how best to enjoy it to the fullest. In so doing, people’s imagination takes hold of them and starts them to pondering the techniques their ancestors used to ameliorate their lives with pleasure, whether it be from what they ate or how they prepared it. Indeed, Tabadirt epitomizes much more than just a meal outside of one’s home per se.

This is the first step, after getting the ground ready.

Tabadirt and its ingredients

Evidently, Tabadirt or “Amazigh pizza,” a name given to it by youth comparing it to mainstream pizza, comes from the Ait Atta, the largest group among Morocco’s various tribal communities and one which has resided in Morocco for centuries. It is named after Dadda Atta, the father of this ethnic group hailing from the South East of Morocco. Not only have Ait Atta prepared this sort of food, but other neighboring ethnic groups as well, such as Ait Merghad, Ait Yeflman, and Ait Hdido, who pervade in the high Atlas. Whether prepared by man or woman, this food demands that one be equipped with ample cooking skills far beyond those used at home.

The process of its preparation incorporates four main steps. The first is to meticulously collect many small round stones for use on the ground as a carrier that prevents the dough (which should already be kneaded at this point) from touching the dirt. The second step is to stuff the dough with ingredients prepared ahead of time at home. These ingredients are varied, but may include eggs, meat, onions, tomatoes, carrots or spices typically strong in smell and test.

The third step requires collecting a particular sort of sand for use after the dough has been flattened upon hot stones by means of burning wood over it. Fourth, the dough is covered altogether with clean sand and wood, commonly found in the valley, is burned on top of the layer of added sand. Indeed, when it’s thoroughly cooked it becomes brown and can satiate the hunger of nearly ten people. In the end, even though Tabadirt is a demanding task, it is a food of full flavor.

The second step involves burning wood on the surface of the Tabadirt.

Tabadirt’s perception

Whenever Tabadirt is mentioned, it usually occurs to him or her that it’s a thing associated with the desert. By all means, this type of food was found ab initio within nomad daily life. These nomads invented this food to serve themselves energy, time and space. In essence, Tabadirt is a threefold concept. As far as energy is concerned, it is due to Tabadirt’s ingredients which are very effective in fighting hunger and it is concomitant with maximizing the extents of endurance.

Regarding the time it takes to prepare, it is important to understand its secret. To wit, during the day(especially at noon), is the best time to have Tabadirt, whether alone or in concert with others. The reason behind this specific time of day is related to the nomad’s economizing of food for the whole day.

With a shortage of sustenance, they are still capable of maintaining strength for other necessary yet demanding and energy-depleting tasks like water-bringing and animal-milking. In the eyes of the nomad, space is indisputably a consequential segment in day-to-day life. Add to this, water and grass available in a particular area are the paramount, if not sole, criteria a nomad relies upon to live; in their absense, they must retreat en masse, quickly, for a better life in the service of the family and animal husbandry.

Furthermore, these factors, when combined, are sufficiently conducive to unravelling the symbolic mystery of the Tabadirt within nomad culture. During the meal, a circle is formed around the circular shaped dish; while the shape of a circle, itself, signifies life and a moving element, such as Ahidus dancers during play^[1]. Indeed, Tabadirt is viewed as a source of mutual strength, joy and equality among family members; and an opportunity to gather and properly organize the rest of the day.

The third step is crucialinensuring the amount of heat used to cook the Tabadirt.

Tabadirt in the social context

Any food, in any culture, has a story behind its emergence. Tabadirt, in the Amazigh nomad culture, is no exception, and has i made history with its special story. Tabadirt, as an Amazigh ethnic food, basically originated from nomad culture, although it has recently been domesticated upon the morrow of urbanization, migratory factors also at play. This latter circumstance clearly contributes to the relegating of food to be prepared in the home, and cause for our unfamiliarity of its aroma in an outdoor setting. In addition, Tabadirt, in common with other such foods, has recently been rendered a highly substantial meal, suitable for generously serving one’s guest(s).

This meal speaks candidly for itself when introduced during celebratory occasions of particular ceremonies. For example, in some cases, a newly married bride, in order to reveal whether she is indisputably adept at cooking or not, typically is given the option of preparing Tabadirt to gain recognition from the family, leaving aside her beauty or elegance In this way she is sure to gain favor from the newly received family. At present, it is furthermore served in concomitant with a pot of tea. It is customary to heat the tea upon the coals of the burnt wood used for the Tabadirt. As a highly recommended food for special occasions, it has recently been in demand. Essentially, Tabadirt is one of the contributions from the Amazigh culture as a whole, and in particular, the nomadic culture which made history with it.

In conclusion, the most precious gift parents can offer their children(especially their daughters), in regards to instilling pride in their roots or family unit, is the sense of culture, whose food represents that which their ancestors had created and lived on. Additionally, the first impressions from a host family, after matrimony, attesting to the eligibility and credentials of the bride are nothing other than her cooking skills; owing to the belief that the attainment of a man’s heart is by all means through the feeding of his stomach.

Note to the reader    

The linguistics of Amazigh are very important in making a clear distinction between feminine and masculine nouns. To feminize masculine nouns, such as Abadir, the consonant “T” is usually added to both the beginning and end of the word; in this case yielding Tabadirt.

The first added letter is referred to as the prefix (derivational morpheme). To illustrate the point further, Ighram (singular) becomes Tighrmt (singular), Amazir (village/countryside) becomes Tamazirt, and Amazigh becomes Tamazight.

The words for boy, Arba (Tamazight), Afrokh (tashlhiyt) and Ahn(d)jir (tarifiyt), are transformed into Tarbat, Tafrokht and Tahnjirt to mean girl. Throughout this passage, the word “Ait” is used to signify a group of people; such as Ait Atta for the Atta people, and Ait Mellol for the people of Mellol. In consideration of these clarifications, it should be noted that the Amazigh language is by no means a sexist language.

^[1] See Sadiqi, Fatima. Moroccan Feminist discourse. Palgrave Macmilan, United States, 2014

Edited by Clint Brooks

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Rabat - Moroccan-Dutch supermodel Imaan Hammam went topless for the May issue of the French version of the famous magazine Vogue.

During her last shoot, the Dutch model of Moroccan origins appears topless before the lenses of Peruvian fashion photographer Marco Tostino.

In this issue, to be published in May, Hammam poses in different positions wearing very bright and cloroful spring clothes.

The Amsterdam-born fashion model posted some of these photos to her Instagram account, garnering thousands of likes and comments.

??????The stunning @ImaanHammam photographed by the legendary @MarioTestino for @VogueParis ??? Styled by @EmmanuelleAlt ? Hair by @JamesPecis ?? #MakeupByValGarland #ValGarland ?????? #VogueParis #MarioTestino #Editorial ??????

A photo posted by ValGarland (@thevalgarland) on Apr 21, 2016 at 5:41am PDT

With a Moroccan mother and an Egyptian father, the model grew up in the Netherlands, where she was pursuing her studies before appearing on the American Vogue cover, as the only new face among a sea of famous models.

In April 2016, Hammam won Couturesque Magazine's Model of the Year competition, receiving more than half of the public vote against heavyweights Lucky Blue Smith and Bella Hadid.

At Brooklyn’s Afropunk Festival in 2014, Hammam revealed that she doesn’t use too much make up, but she uses saffron and honey, the secret recipe of her beauty.

“Y’know, there’s a thing you cook with, called saffron. Mix it with honey and then apply it to your face like a mask for five minutes. Wash it off and your face is beautiful!” Hammam was quoted by Vogue as saying.

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Marrakech - I attended a book discussion by professor Malika El Ouali Aloui discussing her new book ‘Assalihat L’ Mrakshyat’ on April 14, 2016, at Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Letter and Human Sciences. A group of professors and students attended her book signing.

Is Marrakech the land of Male-Saints? This is the central question of Malika El Ouali Aloui’s book. The first time Aloui visited Marrakech, she heard endless discussion surrounding the 7 Saints: Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, Qadi Ayyad, Sidi Bel Abbas, Sidi Suleiman Al Jazuli, Sidi Abdel Aziz, and  Imam Souhaili. Such male-centric discussion made Aloui wonder about the lack of female saints. So, she began a field study in 2004 since 2004 the writer started her field study in Marrakech looking for female saints.

The content of the book is divided into four parts. The first discusses the history of Soufism in Morocco in the 6th Century AH. Such a history, according to Aloui, is extremely vaugue due to the lack of documented papers and information of the Soufi movement at the time. Before the movement appeared, Moroccans were interested in building mosques and places of worship.

The book’s second section tackles the subject of female ‘’Waliayt’’ saints in Marrakech. Mrs. El Ouali discusses the geographical sphere of these female-saints across the Medina. Almost all of them are located along the southeast wall of the medina, while some of them are located in southwest areas.

The third part of the book discusses the importance of these women-saints. Many people say that this phenomenon of visiting saints is no longer of interest to Moroccan society. However, in actuality, El Ouali believes this to be false. These saints are still receiving visitors for getting “Baraka.” While the professor was doing her field study, she still noticed the terraces of Henna and the residue of fresh candles.

Finally, the fourth part of the book covers Tarajim AssliHat as well as symbols of women who are mentioned in Tarajim such as Lala Memouna Takiaout.

For those interested in purchasing the book, it is available in Arabic. However, the author still entertains the possibility of publishing an English version of the book soon for foreign readers.

Mrs. El Ouali is a professor at the English Department at Cadi Ayyad University. A graduate from Iben Yousef University in Fez Mrs. Ouali is also a writer, poet, translator and researcher in popular culture. She has published many books including “Kan Ya Ma Kan.”

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By Nada Afa

Rabat - The very active "Ateliers de Bob," known for organizing youth theatre classes are back with another event.

This month, they will be holding a performanced titled “Koun kent fblastek,” an adaptation of Marivaux’s play “ Les jeux d’amour et du hasrad.” After a successful performance in Casablanca this past Saturday at the F.O.L, the adaptation will be moving to the Villa des Arts on May 29.

The original comedy, first performed in 1730, is considered Marivaux’s greatest play, and the public’s favorite among all of his publications.

Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux, is a journalist, a novelist, and one of the most distinguished French playwrights and authors.

Marivaux’s comedy, “Jeu de l’amour et du hazard,” tells the story of Silvia, whose father is encouraging her to wed his friends son. The young woman, not quite sure about her father’s choice, decides to observe the young man. In order to do so, she poses as his maid, so she can get to know him without having to reveal her true identity.

Her plan would have worked perfectly, if the young man himself didn’t have the same idea to pose as someone else to observe her as well. The story quickly takes a very funny turn of events as the relationship between the two only gets more complicated.

The adaptation of the play is very loyal to the original. However, some names and events have been changed in an attempt to identify to a more exclusively Moroccan audience.

The production will be staged by the talented Nezha Alaoui. Starring in this production is will be Oumnia Benmansour, Anissa Lanaya, Karim Missaoui, Bob Benomar, Mohammed Bouta, and Shems Khettouch. All of them are brilliants actors, who are very talented and passionate about their work.

So, don’t forget to attend Rabat’s Villa des arts this Friday April 29 at 8pm. The production will surely brighten your Friday and will be a perfect start to your weekend.

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Fez - Spain, Morocco’s northern neighbor, is experiencing tourism boom. After years of crisis that have led to a 20 percent unemployment rate, tourists flock to Spain in high numbers.

In 2015, the rise in touristic arrivals was over seven percent. The beaches of Barcelona teamed with visitors from mostly landlocked European countries and Great Britain. The season of 2016 looks even more promising, and according to some accounts, the hotels in Spain are fully booked for the two main summer months, July and August.

Morocco’s more distant North African neighbors Tunisia and Egypt are a whole different story. The 2015-year was bleak for Tunisia, which experienced two major attacks in its tourism sector. There was the terrorist attack at the Bardo museum in the capital of Tunis in the spring, and a blood bath in June at one of the Souss holiday resorts, and in both instances foreigners were targeted.

Egypt, likewise, is struggling to attract tourists in numbers, as it has historically done so during the turn of the century. Tourists, however, seem to prefer other destinations before the Land of the Pyramids or the cheap and once very popular Tunisia. Many of them, I suppose will contribute to overcrowding the beaches on the Spanish costas.

[caption id="attachment_185504" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

Where does Morocco stand in all of this?

Does Morocco deserve to be more like Spain or is it more like other traditionally touristic North African countries? Morocco, I believe, is at the crossroads at a time when the type of endeavors it undertakes, and the decisions it implements, will affect its tourism industry for decades to come.

I have recently been asked to attend a conference that will discuss the image of Arab countries. I am supposed to deliver a speech on the image of the tourist destinations in the Arab world, as portrayed by the tourism bureaus in order to attract customers. So far, I have not been able to find many examples that would, through advertisements, portray the beaches of Tunisia or Egypt differently than those of Morocco, Spain or Bulgaria. The most popular destinations for stay-in-resort vacations attract their visitors by the quality of the accommodations, cleanliness of their beaches and, most importantly, by their price.

After all, is it all that important in which country the beach and resort are located? Very little seems to be the role of the "exotic“ environment and the character of the country, unless it is a far-away destination such as Sri Lanka or Thailand. After all, those tourists that prefer the cheap, stay-in vacations have most likely already been to various countries in the Mediterranean region. This includes the visitors of the post-communist central European landlocked countries, such as Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. In the last 25 years since their re-opening to the world, Central Europeans have traveled extensively in Europe and North Africa, primarily seeking to sejour by the sea side which they are missing back home.

[caption id="attachment_185506" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

It’s all about the image

What seems to be much more important than the beauty of the country, richness of its culture and diversity of its population to travellers seeking packaged vacation, is the safety of the destination. This is where the cheap and exotic Arab countries, namely Egypt, Tunisia, and even Morocco have been gravely suffering over the past few years. Many argue that Morocco is a safe destination that was not touched by the events of the Arab Spring, and that has been able to keep its country free of terrorist acts since 2011.

Facts and figures are, however, only one part of the picture. What is even most important is the image of the given country, and this is where Morocco is losing. This is not because of being an unsafe country, but because it is too often than not likened to Egypt and Tunisia. After all, it is a North African country with a predominantly Muslim population. Therefore, while the advertisements of Morocco as a summer destination does not in essence differ from the style of advertisements of Bulgaria and its beaches, the decisive point for many visitors will be the image of safe Bulgaria over Muslim Morocco.

Morocco – Spain‘s sister and a safe “Oriental“ retreat

Morocco’s position in the world of tourism is not an easy one. While being a safe and well-equipped destination, it suffers from being likened to its much more troubled neighbors in the region.

It is, at the same time, facing many challenges. How will it structure and shape its marketing in order to put forward a brand that is a safe, affordable and an attractive oriental destination at the same time?

The truth of the matter is that Morocco is much more than an “Oriental“ destination, offering camel rides, desert visits and belly-dancing performances. Its variety of cultures and ethnic groups goes far beyond what is know to be “Arabic“ and “Oriental“ to an average European traveller. Its Amazigh (Berber) heritage can be used in new ways to promote its character of a truly colorful and hospitable country, while the “Arab touch“ is still present through its language and its Islamic religion. Those travellers that used to prefer Tunisia and Egypt thus can find an adequate alternative, and much more, in Morocco.

Above all, Morocco is, and will remain very closely connected to Spain, and this aspect should be well addressed when promoting the country. Morocco is, in many ways, Spain’s sister, and its northern regions are very close to the nature, culture and cuisine of Spain’s Andalusia. It might take some time before travellers start associating Spain with Morocco and Morocco with Spain, but this association can bring about a lot of new opportunities in joint endeavors of the two countries.

Morocco, indeed, deserves to be labeled safe, attractive and worth visiting, despite the political tendencies of the North African region.

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The post Where Does Morocco Stand in The Global Tourism Market appeared first on Morocco World News.

By Asmaa Bahadi

Rabat - After the first edition that allowed a dozen street artists to unleash their imaginations on the walls of Morocco’s capital of Rabat, the Jidar Festival, organized by the Association Boulevard L’EAC and the National Museums Foundation, has returned for a second edition running from 22 April to 1 May.

Often considered an urban scourge or a petty crime, graffiti has been called many names due to its historical association with vandalism and strong ties to underground hip hop culture in New York in the 1970s.

However, in Rabat, this form of public art is appreciated and embraced by the city’s residents with arms wide open. The array of murals, frescoes and paintings created by talented spray-can artists found an outlet in Rabat, infusing the streets of Morocco’s capital with new life and a new look.

Twenty-three artists from all over the world, including Morocco, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Egypt, UK and USA, have converged on the seaside city, transforming Rabat itself into a canvas

Yacine Heikalane, whose style is strongly influenced by the expressionist movement, is one of those who responded to the call.

“Jidar Street Art Festival is an amazing opportunity to focus on the visual appearance of the city of Rabat by revitalizing its remarkable architecture and giving it greater interest and visibility for the public audience,” Heikalane said, in an exclusive interview with Morocco World News. “Hopefully this will encourage creativity within the street art scene and help involve more artists [to] make more astonishing artwork in the following editions.”

If you want to check out these murals for yourself, you can find them on the following streets: Avenue Hassan II, Avenue Tadla, Avenue Ibn Sina, Avenue Al Alaouyine, Avenue Hamman El Fatwaki, Avenue Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Avenue Al Moukawama, Avenue Madagascar, Rue Abdelmoumen and Avenue Allal Al Fassi.

[caption id="attachment_185579" align="aligncenter" width="960"] DEIH (Spain) - Avenue Sidi Mohamad ben Abdellah, Quartier Yaacob Mansour. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185581" align="aligncenter" width="960"] EIME (Portugal) - Rue Madagascar Palace de Russie, Quartier L'océan. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185582" align="aligncenter" width="960"] CASE MACLAIM (Germany) - Avenue Hassan II, Quartier Agdal. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185584" align="aligncenter" width="960"] PEETA (Italy) - Avenue Hassan II, Quartier Hassan. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185585" align="aligncenter" width="960"] NICOLAS BARROME (France) - Avenue Al Mouqaouama, Quartier L'océan. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185586" align="aligncenter" width="960"] OKUDA (Spain) - Avenue Al Alaouiyine, Quartier Hassan. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185588" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Normal (Morocco) - Avenue Ibn Sina, Quartier Agdal. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185589" align="aligncenter" width="960"] AMMAR ABO BAKR (Egypt) - Avenue Tadla, Quartier Mabella. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185591" align="aligncenter" width="960"] STNK (Mexico) & MACHIMA (Morocco) - Angle Avenue Hommane Al Fatouaki & Avenue Fatouaka, Quartier Mabella. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185593" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Remi Rough (UK) - MMVI Musée Mohamed VI d'Art Moderne et Contemporain à Rabat. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185594" align="aligncenter" width="960"] YASSINE BALBZIOUI (Morocco) - Avenue Abdelmomen, Quartier Hassan. Photo Credit: Yacine Heikalane[/caption]

Edited by Kelsey Fish.

The post In Pictures: Rabat Walls Transform into Street Canvases appeared first on Morocco World News.

By Camille Smith

Rabat - With more and more tourists pouring in the country annually, Morocco is turning into a top tourist destination.

What makes it stand out is not only its beautiful sights, riads, and resorts that most tourists search for, but it also offers a cultural experience that makes it especially unique from any other getaway. Whether you have just a few days, weeks, or even months visiting Morocco, don’t miss out on these must-dos and sees.

1. Eat Couscous on Friday

Cousous is the staple of Morocco. While it’s served in many restaurants, enjoying a communal dish of it with a family (if you’re lucky enough to be invited into a Moroccan home) on a Friday afternoon is the must authentic way to have it.

2. See the Sahara Desert

[caption id="attachment_185506" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

The epitome of all of Morocco’s vast natural beauty. Spend a few days riding camels, cruising over the dunes in jeeps, and sandboarding in Merzouga for an unforgettable time in the desert.

3. Bargain for souvenirs in the medina

[caption id="attachment_185604" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Photo by Jack Stanovsek/MWN[/caption]

What most visitors don’t realize is that when you’re buying souvenirs, the price isn’t always fixed. Sometimes shopkeepers offer double the actual price they’ll sell for originally, so try out your haggling skills to save yourself some dirhams.

4. Bathe in a hammam

While Moroccans have showers, the more popular, traditional way of bathing is in the public hammams, or bathhouses. You can buy the savon noir and a scrub glove in the street for just a few dirham. If you’ve never been, this is truly an experience like no other. For extra, you can even get a massage to top off this relaxing, refreshing experience.

5. Relax and have some Moroccan tea

[caption id="attachment_184550" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Photo by Jack Stanovsek[/caption]

Contrary to popular belief, Britain isn’t the country of tea. You’ll find out quickly that Moroccans love their tea (With lots of sugar and mint!) Morocco comes in second for the most tea consumed per capita after Turkey.

6. Try meloui for breakfast

Made fresh on the street daily for only 2 or 3 dirhams, be sure to try this delicious breakfast treat with honey or cheese.

7. See the blue city

After visiting the lively big cities like Fez and Marrakech, escape to the small, quaint, city of Chefchauoen known for its all-blue buildings. Recently ranked the 6^th most beautiful city in the world, don’t miss out on this hidden gem, only a couple of hours away from Tangier.

8. Learn some Darija

It never hurts to learn another language! Darija is Morocco’s dialect of Arabic. Though many Moroccans speak English or French, it’s not only more respectful, but can be to your advantage to attempt speaking their language. It might help you get better prices for taxis or in the medina.

9. Watch a traditional music performance

[caption id="attachment_138678" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Sufism in Morocco. Photo by Omar Chennafi[/caption]

From Berber, Gnawa, to Chaabi groups, these men never fail to really put on a show. Don’t be surprised if they pull you in to dance with them!

10. Tour the mosque home to the world’s largest minaret

[caption id="attachment_149559" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The Grand Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca Morocco[/caption]

By law, the majority of mosques are closed off to non-Muslims. Luckily, the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca is open to the public and offers tours in multiple languages daily. Be sure to check the hours and get tickets in advance, otherwise you may miss your chance to get in!

While this list only scratches the surface of that many fantastic things Morocco has to offer, checking off as many of these as you can will surely lead you into incredible adventures that will make your time in Morocco unforgettable.

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The post 10 Things You Can’t Miss Out on When You Visit Morocco appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Russian-Swiss model, actress, blogger and entrepreneur Xenia Tchoumitcheva posted on her Instagram account photos shot on the magical streets of Chefchaouen, a northern Moroccan city.

Along with a group of her friends, the model posed on the blue and white painted streets of Chefchaouen, a beautiful city painted in blue, nestled in the Moroccan Rif Mountain range to the east of Tangier.

The Model was captured by the charm of the enchanting city, locally known as Chaoun or Morocco’s Blue City.

Xenia posted a picture with two of her female friends with a caption that reads “Chauen's Angels.”

Chauen's Angels

A photo posted by Xenia Tchoumi (@xenia) on Apr 28, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

The model posted a video filmed on the roof of a small building in the city showing a herd of sheep grazing on the green meadow, with a statement that reads “Cause we’re the coolest.”

Cause we re the coolest (stolen from @candelanovembre's camera)

A video posted by Xenia Tchoumi (@xenia) on Apr 30, 2016 at 8:54am PDT

Other photos show the group exploring the blue city that they describe as a “magical” place.

Exploring Chefchaouen with a clique of #Lampooners. Magical. #CanvasJourney #CanvasByLandsEnd #Lampoon @Canvasbylandsend @Thefashionablelampoon Ph: @alessandro.fornaro

A photo posted by Xenia Tchoumi (@xenia) on Apr 28, 2016 at 6:37am PDT

With its never-ending charm, the city is not only a tourist attraction, but also a preferred location for the glamorous world of fashion.

In August, Jacob Cohën, Italy’s world-renowned fashion brand, chose the city as background for its Fall-Winter 2015-2016 Collection.

In 2014, Chefchaouen ranked 9th on Buzzfeed’s list of Most Beautiful Travel Destinations, making it the only city from North Africa and the Arab world on the list. In 2015, the city featured Among Telegraph’s ranking of the World’s Best City Skylines.

The post Russian Top Model Poses on Chefchaouen’s Blue Streets appeared first on Morocco World News.

Fez - The captivating and colorful sights of traditional Moroccan fantasia, also known as “tbourida,” a type of synchronized horseback riding, will be on display in a photography exhibition opening this Friday, May 6 at the ALIF Riad in Fez.

The vibrant images of female fantasia participants, dressed in traditional Moroccan garb and clasping show rifles, depict the energy and atmosphere one can expect when attending one of these traditional Moroccan events.

The exhibition, “Gunpowder Girls,” will feature the works of American photographer and U.S. Fulbright researcher, Gwyneth Talley, who wanted to capture the impressive yet elegant showmanship of female horse riders who take part in “tbourida” or gunpowder games.

“If you can feel the sun, smell the gunpowder, and feel the rush of the horses’ charge, I have done my job as a photographer. My mission with 'Gunpowder Girls' was to capture the effort and time that the women put into participating in the gunpowder games,” Talley said.

Talley’s exhibition will feature photographs of female competitors in various gunpowder games across Morocco and give viewers a glimpse inside the splendor behind these performances. “The beauty and difficulty of the games is the synchronization–the charge of all the horses together and the simultaneous firing of the rifles.

After the discharge of the gunpowder, the riders rein in their horses together, and dramatically stop at the finish line- inches away from the spectators in front of them,” Talley said.

The exhibition will debut on Friday, May 6 at 6pm at the ALIF Riad, 6 Derb Drissi, Batha, Fes Medina and will continue daily from 4-6 p.m. through May 17. The event is free and open to the public.

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Fez - There are certainly a number of reasons why any country in the world is worth visiting. Sadly, not all countries boast of all the important characteristics that make them a desirable travel destination – namely security, availability and attractiveness. Morocco does posses these three qualities – and many more! So what are the ten main reasons you should start considering Morocco your next vacation destination?

1. Safety and security

[caption id="attachment_185858" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Do not miss visiting Moroccan oases. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

First and foremost – Morocco is a stable and secure country, whose inhabitants are welcoming to the foreign visitors. Unfortunately, Morocco is wrongly labeled as unstable and dangerous, similar to Tunisia and Egypt. While Morocco might have a similar culture, language and religion as its eastern neighbors in the North African region, its development has been quite different, and the stability of the Moroccan monarchy goes back to the 17th century. The Arab Spring as well as a sweeping wave of terrorist acts has left Morocco untouched, and there is no plausible reason of avoiding visiting it for security reasons.

2. Beauty in diversity

[caption id="attachment_185855" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Portuguese influence is the highlight of El Jadida. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

Whether you take into account its geography, ethnicity or culture, Morocco is clearly one of the most colorful countries in the world. It boasts of African, Middle Eastern and Spanish cultural influences, as well as of variety of ethnic groups and regional dialects. If you travel from the northernmost point in Morocco across the country to its southern oasis, you might not believe, at times, that you are still in the same country. The climate, the cuisine and nature change as you visit various corners of this amazing country!

3. Where Orient meets the West

[caption id="attachment_185856" align="aligncenter" width="946"] In the interior of the largest Moroccan mosque - Hassan II. in Casablanca (photo by Daniel Chraska)[/caption]

While it may not be exactly true that Morocco is an Oriental country, it does have an undoubtedly Arab-Oriental touch to it, while at the same time possessing charm of the Mediterranean as well as colonial French atmosphere. The Orient has, a long time ago, met the West, and their encounter happened right in Morocco.

4. Saharan sunsets

[caption id="attachment_185862" align="aligncenter" width="1116"] Sunset above the Saharan dunes, Merzouga. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

Watching the sun set behind the dunes is one of the highlights of visiting Morocco. Whether in Merzouga or Mhamid, you should not miss treating yourself to this unforgettable experience.

5. Delectable cuisine

[caption id="attachment_185864" align="aligncenter" width="1116"] Taste the fresh sardines in Essaouira. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

Try the delicious pigeon Pastilla in Fes, mouthwatering Mechui in Marrakech, spiced Madfouna in the desert or fresh sardines on the Atlantic coast – the Moroccan cuisine will continue to surprise you with its tastes and fragrances as you travel around. Not only will it be a delicious encounter, but also a quite healthy one as the vegetables are the true base of the light and savory Moroccan cuisine.

6. Magic of the past

[caption id="attachment_185859" align="aligncenter" width="942"] The interior of Bouinania Medresa in Fes should not be missed on any cultural or religious tour. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

Learn about the Moroccan past through its many preserved monuments such as its old palaces, mosques and medresas. Morocco’s glorious past can be retraced through the sumptuously decorated inner courtyards with its delicate zellij floors and calligraphic inscriptions. The beauty of Moroccan architecture is hidden in its interiors, which have in many instances been transformed to lovely guesthouses – you can, therefore, relive the splendor of a times long past!

7. Arts and crafts

[caption id="attachment_185860" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Moroccan caftans. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

This is the country where arts and crafts are not seen only in the museums – their production and usage in everyday life is still well alive! Be it the hand-woven carpets, lampshades or delicately adorned djellabas, you will certainly fall in love with Moroccan traditional handiwork!

8. Treat yourself …

How about an afternoon in a hammam where you experience the essentials of Moroccan wellness – traditional treatment with sbun beldi, natural mud and domestically grown henna will leave you feeling like you’ve been born again. None of this is complete, however, unless you had a massage with argan oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the regionally treasured Argana spinosa.

9. Feasts and festivals

[caption id="attachment_139421" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Jazz au Chellah in Rabat, Morocco with Gnaoua Music. Photo By Isabela Bernal[/caption]

In Morocco, there are always fun adventurous and cultural experiences to be had. Consider coming in time for the Gnawa Festival in Essaouira, Fes Festival of Sacred Music (May-June) or the famous Mawazine, taking place in summer in Rabat. Visit Morocco during Ramadan period to see its decorated squares and taste sweet pastries served with harira after sunset.

10. Wide range of activities

[caption id="attachment_185857" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Traditional Saharan adobe dwellings. Photo by Katarina Maruskinova[/caption]

The key to Morocco lies in its universality. It is a destination for families with children, as well as for young adults, lone women travellers and seniors alike. It offers summer as well as winter sport activities, cultural, historical as well as artistic experiences. You can travel across Morocco on a culinary or a religious tour, on horseback or by bicycle. All of this, and much more are possible in Morocco, so come soon!

[caption id="attachment_185861" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Village of Moulay Idriss (photo by: Daniel Chráska)[/caption]

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The post Ten Compelling Reasons Why Your Next Vacation Should Be in Morocco appeared first on Morocco World News.

By Maroua Errai

Rabat - Rabat, the deep-rooted city, the inveterate tradition, the fabulous buildings.

The Medina al-Qadima of Rabat is like an art exhibition, and the buildings and houses sparkle in white and blue, some decorated with beautiful gardens.

The alleys are too narrows and there many interesting historical Riads. One of the must-see attractions in the older part of the city is Souika.

Souika is full of shops, and you can find everything that you are looking for: clothes, accessories, toys, beauty products at the "Attar," decorations showing the originality of Morocco, shoes (there is a long path full of shoe shops called the Souk S'bat), and food.

You can try a variety of cheap, delicious sandwiches and snacks. In the crowds of the Souika, you are always in front with the men wearing colors called “Guerrab.”

The Guerrab has many different ways of wearing: he wears a Djellaba, a big hat, is surrounded with many copper cups, and always has his "Guerba" where he puts the water.

People in the Souika are too kind, welcoming tourists and living happily as one family.

[caption id="attachment_185973" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185974" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185975" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185976" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185977" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185978" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185979" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185980" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185981" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185982" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185983" align="aligncenter" width="942"] Photo by Maroua Errai[/caption]

The post In Pictures: Deep Inside Rabat Medina appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Dutch Website Skyscanner has listed the famous square of Jamaa El-Fna in Marrakech among the most alluring squares to visit in the world.

In an article entitled “The 17 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the World,” Marrakech came tenth in the list.

With its exotic and magic festival-like atmosphere, Jamaa El-Fna continues to fascinates its visitors and mesmerize their senses with its smells, colors, and sounds.

The website says it as “a magical world” where you never feel you had enough of its scenes of “snake charmers, and storytellers who take you into the realms if their imaginative worlds.”

Tourists, the websites goes on, can take some of that magical world back home by “strolling along the many stalls and buy jewelry, pillows in colorful Moroccan style, and dress.”

 For those who want to taste Moroccan tea with the mint, the many cafes surrounding the square offer the best mint tea.

Jamaa El-Fna has been listed among the best attractions in the world by many other travel websites such as Project for Public Spaces Website where Jamaa El-Fna came first, the CultureTrip Website where Jamaa El-Fna came fifth, and Worldofwonderlust where it first ahead many famous places across the globe.

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Rabat - Following an impressive list of Moroccan world records for “largest” items, including the world’s largest Tajine and Tangia, largest omelet, largest couscous, largest flag, and largest piece of sugar, Moroccan company Sultan Tea’s teapot has made it into the Guinness book of world records.

The Guinness World Records official site, which records ultimate record-breaking facts and achievements, announced on May 9 that a teapot designed and created by Sultan Tea is the largest teapot ever.

According to Guinness, the “family business Sultan Tea recently created the largest teapot ever, measuring a striking 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in height and 2.58 m (8 ft 5 in) in diameter.”

The super-sized teapot was unveiled at the 11th annual Moroccan International Agriculture Fair (SIAM 2016) which was held from April 26 to May 1 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and focused on “Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture.”

The company decided to create the largest teapot ever to celebrate the brand’s 80th anniversary, given the symbolic importance of the teapot in the Moroccan culture.

The teapot, which sports a traditional Moroccan design, is “made of iron, weighing approximately 1,200 kg (2,465 lb).”

A group of expert cooks prepared tea in this huge teapot making “1,500 litres of tea with 3 kg of mint.”

Official Guinness World Records adjudicator Lorenzo Veltri attended the event to verify the new record.

Tea, locally called Attay, particularly with mint, is the most popular drink among Moroccan families and is perceived as the number one hot beverage consumed in the country.

The post Guinness World Records Names Moroccan Teapot Largest Ever appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Despite the growing tension between the neighboring countries, Algerians consider Morocco a top destination to spend their year-end holidays.

According to Tout Sure l’Algerie, Morocco is considered the third favorite destination for Algerians who decided to spend their holiday abroad.

Like in previous years, Tunisia remains the favorite destination for Algerians, followed by Turkey, despite the recent attacks that have shaken the country.

Algerian tourist agencies said that Algerians have started booking for their vacations in advance.

Ali Allouache of the Algerian tourist agency “Amina Tours,” stressed that Algerians have changed their habits and started to book in advance for this coming season.

"This year, the Algerians booked well in advance. Since the beginning of April, bookings have not stopped. We have recorded a number of requests for Tunisia, Morocco and Turkey," Allouache said.

Nacera Moumen, director of the travel agency “Voyage du Cœur,” also said “I even have bookings for the month of September!”

According to Moumen, the resort Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt will also be among Algerians’ planned destinations.

Her agency is preparing to send several groups to the Egyptian resort.

"They have reduced their prices by 75% for hotels, given the cancellations with the English. Egyptian tour operators have made some very good proposals," she said.

According to the National Agency of Tourism Agencies, an estimated 100,000 Algerians spent their summer vacation in Morocco last year.

For Algerians, “Morocco has significant tourism potential, such as the city of Marrakesh with its famous square Djemaa el Fna, the region of Ifrane, Casablanca and Agadir,” Moumen added.

Although Morocco-Algeria borders have remained closed for over 20 years, and despite the high cost of airfare between the neighboring countries, Morocco remains an attractive destination for Algerians.

The post Morocco, Third Tourist Destination for Algerians appeared first on Morocco World News.

The nut of the argan tree, which grows in the Moroccan countryside of Essaouira, contains a valuable oil known for its anti-aging properties, that is popping up in everything from shampoo and body lotion to food products.

But nowhere on the labels will you find the remarkable story behind how this oil was born - and the role goats' digestive tracts play in its harvesting.

The post Video: Goats’ Role in the Making of Argan Oil appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - Rabat will be the "Arab youth capital" from May 20, 2016 to April 19, 2017, under the theme "For a co-existing and creative youth," the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced.

The event, held under the Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, in accordance with the decision of the 38th Council of Arab Ministers of Sports and Youth, held in Cairo in April 2015, will be attended by 3,200 young people from different Arab countries, said the ministry in a statement.

The choice of Rabat to become the capital of Arab youth is the result of Morocco's making youth a top priority in government programs and public policies through projects and initiatives carried out by the Kingdom for the benefit of Moroccan youth "to strengthen citizenship and encourage them to integrate social, economic, cultural and political development", said the ministry.

The event is an opportunity to highlight efforts of various Arab countries to improve youth status, give them the opportunity to reinforce their skills, improve their talents through a variety of festivals and artistic, cultural, and athletic events, and strengthen values of peace and solidarity among them, the ministry added.

Several activities and events will be organized on this occasion in many regions of the Kingdom, mainly the Arab forum on youth economic integration (May 23-25 in Rabat), the International Triathlon (May 28 in Rabat), and the traditional Arab games festival (July 14-17 in Ifrane).

With MAP

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Rabat - As part of an effort to preserve bedouin culture in the Sahara Desert, the United Arab Emirates’ Camel Federation Committee (CFC) has opened a new camel race track in the Southwestern region of the world’s hottest desert. 

The track's inauguration took place during the Tan-Tan Moussem festival in Morocco, where the UAE participated as guest of honor this year after two years of contribution by the Abu Dhabi branch of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee.

On Sunday, Shaikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the president of the CFC and a governmental advisor, inaugurated the six-kilometer “U”-shaped  track during a ceremony on Sunday. The track is lined with lanes for the camels and media cars to record the animals from start to finish, according to a report by the Khaleej Times.

In addition, the Emirati committee will help camel owners in Tan-Tan built veterinary centers for their animals and develop a camel racing culture, which will culminate in professional races during the city’s popular yearly festival. The initiatives are expected to generate revenue for the locals.

"We are going to give them camel embryos, so by this time next year they will have pedigree racing camels," said Khalifa Al Nuaimi, chief executive officer of the Advanced Scientific Group of the CFC. “"We are also planning to bring camel racers from here to Abu Dhabi, teach them how to care for camels and how to handle them in racing."

The first ten races on the track, which took place on the same day as the ceremony, saw 200 camels, owned by Moroccan bedouins from the region, race to break in the new facilities. Four of the races, which were differentiated by the competing animals’ ages and genders, offered cash awards of MAD 25,000 for each first place winner.

Local authorities relaunched Tan-Tan’s bedouin festival in 2004, but historical evidence says the tradition started during the days of nomadic life in the Sahara, when tribes gathered for a week at the end of every May to continue their oral tradition and exchange news.

Security issues in the region prompted the kingdom to ban the festival between 1979 and 2004, but this year it celebrates the 12th year of its revival.

The post UAE Launches Camel Races in Sahara, Vows to Help Tan-Tan Build its Own appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - The organization of Miss Morocco beauty pageant 2016 has posted on its official Facebook page sixteen young women who will compete this year for the title of Miss Morocco.

The organization said on its Facebook page that the 2016 edition of Miss Morocco contest was launched “under the leadership of a group of Moroccan and Maghreb youth of the world,” through a concept “combining tradition and modernity.”

The organization added that this third edition is a unique initiative that seeks to showcase all the “aspects that gives value to Moroccan women,” who are considered the most important player “that transmits the ancestral values of openness, solidarity and modernity.”

The photos posted on the organization’s Facebook page feature 16 women from different Moroccan cities.

The organizing committee calls on calling on Moroccans to vote for their candidate by sending an SMS to 9050.

The the contest will take place in Morocco Mall in Casablanca  this Saturday.

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