Exploring Moroccan Culture: Food, Music, and Art
Morocco is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Discover the unique traditions, customs, and beliefs of its people with this guide to Morocco’s cultures.
Morocco is a country that boasts a fascinating blend of cultures, shaped by its history and geography. From the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains to the Arab influence of the cities, Morocco’s cultures are diverse and unique. In this guide, we’ll explore the customs, traditions, and beliefs that make Morocco such a rich and vibrant country.
The Berber Culture: The Indigenous People of Morocco.
The Berber people are the indigenous people of Morocco, with a history that dates back thousands of years. They are known for their unique language, Tamazight, which is still spoken in many parts of the country. The Berber culture is deeply rooted in the land, with a strong connection to nature and the environment. They have their own customs and traditions, including music, dance, and art, which are still celebrated today. Despite centuries of Arab and European influence, the Berber culture remains a vital part of Morocco’s identity.
The Arab Culture: The Influence of Islam.
The Jewish Culture: A Long History in Morocco.
Morocco has a long and rich history of Jewish culture, dating back to the arrival of Jews in the country over 2,000 years ago. At its peak, the Jewish population in Morocco numbered over 250,000, making it one of the largest Jewish communities in the world. Today, the Jewish community in Morocco is much smaller, with an estimated 2,500 members. However, the legacy of Jewish culture can still be seen throughout the country, from the Jewish quarter in Marrakech to the annual Mimouna festival, which celebrates the end of Passover and is traditionally hosted by Jewish families.
The French Influence: A Legacy of Colonialism.
Morocco has a complex history of colonization, with the French occupying the country from 1912 to 1956. During this time, the French left a lasting impact on Moroccan culture, particularly in the areas of language, education, and architecture. French is still widely spoken in Morocco today, and many schools and universities teach in both Arabic and French. The French also introduced new styles of architecture, such as Art Deco and Modernism, which can be seen in buildings throughout the country. However, the legacy of colonialism is a contentious issue in Morocco, with some arguing that it has had a negative impact on the country’s cultural identity.
The Gnaoua Culture: The Music and Dance of Morocco.
The Gnaoua culture is a unique and vibrant aspect of Moroccan culture, known for its music and dance. The Gnaoua people are descendants of West African slaves who were brought to Morocco centuries ago. Their music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as the guembri (a three-stringed bass instrument), krakebs (metal castanets), and tbel (a large drum). The music is often accompanied by trance-like dancing, with performers wearing colorful costumes and masks. The Gnaoua culture has gained international recognition in recent years, with the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira attracting musicians and visitors from around the world.
Erg Chebbi sand dunes
8 - 12 DAYS
Explore the Road of Thousand Kasbahs, Valleys oasis, and the huge sand dunes of Erg Chebbi Desert. Get to meet Berbers along the way and especially Nomads when we are in the Desert. Enjoy your luxury private tent under the stars.
Antique Cities and Markets
8 - 12 DAYS
Experience Morocco`s Imperial Cities in style. Venture deep into the Medina of Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes. Enjoy our handpicked boutique hotels, superb food, optional shopping in the souks, and lots of city exploration.
Discover the Medina
Half or full-Day
Enjoy a half-day or full-day Marrakech walking tour around the diverse Medina of Marrakesh. Including the Old Town (Medina), the New Town (Gueliz), and Palmeraie the Palm Grove. Experience the historical Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs…
Diverse Kingdom
6 - 21 DAYS
Check out our special itineraries according to your main travel need. We customize your Morocco tour together in order to make it an affordable luxurious experience in that beautiful country.
Charming Cities and Desert
8 - 12 DAYS
Morkosh Tours suggests the below list of excursions from Marrakech. We are able to show you the best of this magical city of Marrakech, including its wonderful surroundings.
The Real Adventure
12 - 21 DAYS
This itinerary takes you on an ultimate experience through Morocco`s Rif Mountains, Imperial Cities, Desert, mountains, and coast. It`s an on-the-go journey for an encompassing adventure of nearly the whole country.
