DISCOVER THE MOROCCAN CULTURE

DISCOVER THE MOROCCAN CULTURE

Morocco is made up of an elaborate mosaic of artistic traditions. The nexus of union of Moroccan art is music, from the classical style that developed in Muslim Spain and the narrative musical traditions of the Berbers to the contemporary fusion of African music, French song, pop and rock.

Rai music, more identified with Algeria, is an emerging trend that, despite its clearly African-Arabic rhythms (it is a stream inspired by Bedouin music), is probably the most Westernized style and combines a series of electronic instruments to create A hypnotic effect.

In Morocco dance is a discipline that develops rather with discretion (theoretically Moroccan women should not dance). The most interesting is the circular dance, known as ahidous and coming from an ancient and symbolic tradition of the Berbers.

Handicraft is another basic element of the country. Leather goods are appreciated by merchants since the 16th century. An equally rich and growing heritage is the production of carpets, ceramics, jewelry, bronze articles and wood carvings.

Also painted and carved panels for decoration are very typical. Tiles with elaborate valances embellish the interior of many madrasas and other religious buildings, as well as some mansions. The mashrabiyya, lattices that allow muslim women to see what happens on the street without being seen, are still being built. Although these elements are not usually bought as tourist souvenirs, they serve to demonstrate that the Moroccan craftsmanship does not depend entirely on the masses of visitors.

Morocco has inspired all kinds of foreign artists. The French painter Eugène Delacroix used a lot of time and material in portraying the Moroccan imagery after his visit to the country in the 1830s. Market scenes, harems and lion hunts were the central theme of his paintings since that time. Delacroix was considered in his time a little daring. A century later Hollywood took aim at the fashion of this country. First with Marlene Dietrich in Morocco, followed in 1942 by the classic Casablanca. And when Peter O’Toole strolled through this territory incarnating the protagonist of Lawrence of Arabia this had already become an unreal space for countless young westerners. The Dariya, the Arabic spoken in Morocco, differs considerably from that used in the Middle East. In rural areas they communicate by means of several Berber dialects, especially in the mountains. In terms of customs and lifestyle, Morocco tends to follow its own Islamic rhythm, but men continue to set standards. The strict segregation of the genres in the public life can disconcert more than one visitor, although in the big cities there is a greater mixture and a greater daring of tendencies.

While you are touring Morocco, you’ll be amazed by the food, Moroccan food is good and consistent; The national dish is the couscous, fine grits that usually accompany the stew of lamb with vegetables. The national drink is tea with mint, note that the law of Morocco admits the sale of alcohol under authorization and drinking alcohol is not well seen, although not prohibited by law.

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