Ethnic groups and languages

Jewish Wedding in Morocco by Eugène Delacroix, Louvre, Paris

Morocco is considered by some as an Arab-Berber country. Others insist on the Berber-African identity of
Morocco. Classical Arabic is the only official language of Morocco but it is nobody's mother tongue and it's
used in a limited and formal socio-economic and cultural range of activities (like newspapers and official
documents) in competition with French and, until recently, Berber. The most common spoken languages of
Morocco, are Berber and Moroccan Arabic.
Linguistically, Berber belongs to the Afro-Asiatic group, and has many variants. The three main varieties used
in Morocco are Shilha, Central Atlas Tamazight, and Riff (also called Tamazight by its speakers). Collectively,
they are known as "Shelha" in Moroccan Arabic and as "Barbaria" in the Classical Arabic used in the Middle
East. The terms "Barbar" and "Shelha" are considered offensive by most Berber activists, who prefer the term
Amazigh.
Shilha (also known locally as "Soussia") is spoken in south-west Morocco, in an area between Sidi Ifni in the
south, Agadir in the north and Marrakesh and the Draa/Sous valleys in the east. Central Atlas Tamazight is
spoken in the Middle Atlas, between Taza, Khemisset, Azilal and Errachidia. Riff is spoken in the Rif area of
northern Morocco in towns like Nador, Al Hoceima, Ajdir, Tetouan, Taourirt, and Taza.
For more detailed information on this subject see: Berber languages.
Most Berbers embraced Islam quickly, though their non-Arab ethnic and linguistic distinction has resisted the
Arab-Islamic influence. Hundreds of Amazigh (Berber) associations were created in the last few decades in
Morocco and Algeria to defend the culture and the identity. Newsstands and bookstores in all the major cities
are filled with new Berber publications that provide articles and essays about the Amazigh culture and art. The
state owned TV station RTM (now TVM) has started in 1994 broadcasting a daily 10-minute long news bulletin
in the 3 Berber dialects. Berber activists are repeatedly demanding a 50% share of broadcasting time in
standardized Berber (Tamazight) on all state-owned TV channels. There is also a national Tamazight channel
in Morocco, called Tamazight TV. It opened in 2010 and broadcasts for over 6 hours a day with an extended
broadcast on weekends.

Traditional clothing

A Moroccan kaftan
The traditional dress for men and women is called djellaba; a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. For
special occasions, men also wear a red cap called a bernousse, more commonly referred to as a Fez. Women
wear kaftans decorated with ornaments. Nearly all men and most women wear balgha (‫— )بلغه‬- soft leather
slippers with no heel, often dyed yellow. Women also wear high-heeled sandals, often with silver or gold tinsel.
The distinction between a djellaba and a kaftan is that the djellaba has a hood, while a kaftan does not. Most
women’s djellabas are brightly colored and have ornate patterns, stitching, or beading, while men's djellabas
are usually plainer and colored neutrally. Women are strongly attached to their "Moroccan wardrobe," despite
the financial costs involved; the production of such garments is relatively expensive, as most of the work is done
by hand, yet most women purchase a minimum of one new kaftan or takchita every year, normally for a special
social event, such as a religious festival or a wedding. Nowadays, it is an unwritten rule that traditional
Moroccan dress is worn at such events.

Delicious Moroccan Food

Moroccan cuisine has been enriched by the many aspects of its long and eventful history and over the centuries
has been refined into a fascinating blend of Arab, Berber, Middle Eastern, Moorish, Iberian, Mediterranean,
African and Jewish influences which is uniquely Moroccan.

Spices hold pride of place in any Moroccan kitchen and are used skillfully to create a variety of distinctive
flavors to tempt any palate. Common spices include cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, aniseed,
pepper, coriander, sesame seeds, saffron and mint. Couscous plays an important role in Moroccan cuisine and
is gaining popularity world-wide.
Traditionally the main meal is enjoyed at midday, with the holy month of Ramadan being the exception. Bread
is offered at every meal and it is common for Moroccans to eat with the fingers of one hand while bread in the
other hand is used as a utensil. A meal may start with salads that are followed by a traditional Moroccan
tagine. Mint tea will be served either with the meal or at the end. Seasonal fruit may complete a meal, or on
special occasions a pastry stuffed with almond paste and dusted with sugar known as kaab el ghzal (gazelles
horns) may be served. Halwa shebekai, a pretzel shaped piece of deep fried dough, dipped in honey and
sprinkled with sesame seeds, is also popular.
Visiting a foreign country is always exciting, and enjoying the food of the local people you meet during your
travels completes the experience, so be sure to try out the many flavor-filled aspects of Moroccan cuisine.

Moroccan Dishes

The variety of Moroccan dishes seems endless, but they all have something in common – they are all delicious.
So when you are in Morocco, be sure to try out traditional favorites such as the triple-layered savory pastry
known as Bisteeya, or Mechoui slow-roasted lamb. Not to be missed is a Morocco tagine, a savory dish of
chicken, fish, beef or lamb and vegetables which is slow-cooked to perfection in a unique pottery container.

Moroccan Folklore - Mysterious and Historical Traditions

A fascinating bit of insight into the intricate and historical folklore of Morocco. Learn about their dances,
music and more.

Moroccan Folklore is extremely diverse and equally fascinating. Even to say that it is diverse would be a
massive understatement. The folklore varies in different areas, amongst different tribes and even from one
language to another. The folklore traditions are as plentiful as the people themselves.

The Awash
The dance originates from the High Atlas and Ouarzazate areas. Woman in colorful dresses stand motionless
around a group of men sitting around a fire. The men each have "bendir's". A "bendir" is a circular piece of
wood with a hide stretched over it. The sombre silence is broken by a piercing cry and the men begin to beat
their drums and the woman sway slowly from side to side. Their speed of their swaying and the playing of the
drums increase until the grand finale.

The Ouais
This ballet-like dance is set to ancient Middle Eastern music. The 'orchestra' comprises a single-stringed fiddle
and a number of 3 stringed, turtle-shell mandolins. These are played whilst another person keeps beat with a
piece of iron hit on the ground. The dancers wear colorful kaftans, a silk belt and a colorful spangled cord
wrapped around their head. It's a simple dance with only a few steps, but as the couples alternate their steps in
unison, it creates a wonderfully intricate spectacle.

The Ait Atta

Similar to the Awash dance in certain ways, this dance marks the end of the working season. As the cold creeps
over the mountains the workers get ready to put their tools down and prepare for a season of relaxation. A row
of women face a row of men and dance with gestures from which it is clear to see their enthusiasm and
happiness to be finished with their work for the season.

The Ait Bodar

Ancient warriors placed much importance on the warriors fighting as one: creating an unbreakable line of
defense to ensure their victory. This dance encompasses this belief. A row of men wearing white gandoras link
into each others' arms and chant their song whilst perpetually moving forwards and backwards as one unit.
Ha Ha
A single, 7-holed flute is the only instrument used in this dance. Combined with the stamping of feet and the
clapping of hands it creates an mesmerizing effect. The dancing men are incredibly disciplined and precise.

The Fantasia
Performed entirely on horseback, this dance is an amazing and dazzling sight. A procession on woman on
horseback begins the proceedings. Behind them men, wearing their individual tribe's emblem and riding in
order of rank in the tribe, ride in an organized procession. As soon as this procession is complete the real
Fantasia begins: The Aid el Broud (Festival of Gunpowder). Intense gun-fire and bursts of gunshots pierce
through the night. Horsemen, in a somewhat organized chaos, ride in their ranks all the while shouting and
shooting until the grand finale when everything breaks loose with maddened gun-fire from their "moukhahla"
rifles. It's a spectacle bar none!