Popular legend has it that during the night between 12 and 13 December, Saint Lucia goes to all the houses, with a donkey, to distribute to the children good gifts.
To receive them, the children have to prepare the straw to feed the donkey and place it under the chimney, from which the Santa falls.
Then they have to go straight to bed, close your eyes, because Santa does not want to see and fall asleep humming nursery rhymes. In Brescia, the song is dedicated to the saint:

Santa Lucia beautiful of the children are the star,
through the world go and go and do not you ever get tired;
find the door of my little house,
then continues the way for all the country,
Then continue your trip for my whole village.
To all the good children Tu sweet and brings gifts,

but the most beautiful gifts portals to the poor.

To disobedient children, that Saint Lucia is still awake to try to see her, throw the ashes into his eyes and moves on without leaving any gift. To try to tempt the donkey and entice Santa to leave them even more gifts, some children hang on the windows of bunches of carrots. Others, however, put on the windowsill a closed wooden base on the front with a little inside 'bran for the donkey, and a glass of water-filled timber for Lucia. Next to everything a candle also settle on to illuminate the window and indicate the presence of children.

She popular tradition, Saint Lucia is the day in which they begin to manifest the rigors of winter and the longest night of the year.
Saint Lucia is the Holy Light, designed to reassure that the darkness will not prevail definitely on the light, and soon the day will rise again. Saint Lucia is also the patron saint of eyesight.
It is a beloved saint from the north to the south of the Old Continent where it gives life, every December 13 in various traditions. But who was Saint Lucia?

 BETWEEN HISTORY AND LEGEND

 Saint Lucia was a young Syracusan lived around the third and fourth centuries. According to tradition, it was a beautiful girl betrothed to a young fellow countryman. His future seemed to be similar to that of all its peers: the lay ahead a life as a wife and mother of a family. One day, the mother of Lucia, Eutychie, due to an illness, was hit by serious bleeding. The young, desperate, left for Catania to go to implore the grace of the martyr martire Agata..

 He did not know he was going to discover the great plan that God had for her. He arrived at the tomb, appeared quite the same Agata asking her to devote her life to the poor, the marginalized and suffering children.
Back in Syracuse, Lucia began, immediately, to carry out the mission entrusted to her. First of all broke off the engagement. Then he devoted himself to distribute the assets of its large dowry to the poor, along the long and narrow tunnels of the catacombs, with a lamp attached to the head.

 Boyfriend abandoned did not accept his decision, not so much because he realized he had lost the love of the girl, but because he saw his chances to take possession of the riches that he should bring a dowry Lucia. And such was his defiance to induce him to accuse the ex-girlfriend, in front of the terrible prefect Pascasio, of being Christian.

 Those were the years in which Christianity was fiercely persecuted by Diocletian, but also the time of the most shining examples of faith, which include even Lucy herself. Arrested, threatened and tortured, he still proclaimed follower of Christ and not agreed to renounce their faith. Being a girl too strong to be bent, she had to die.So, Lucy was exposed in the public brothel and did not hesitate to testify their tenacity and consistency that the Romans blamed. And affirming that the body is only contaminated if the soul agrees, gave way to the onlookers, to attend a prodigious event: no one, not even six men and six oxen, they managed to shake her slender body now, miraculously, very heavy.
But before the execution Capital Lucia was able to receive the Eucharist, and is predicted the death of Diocletian, which occurred in a few years, it's the end of the persecutions ended, according to a traditional version of the story, in 313 A.D. with Constantine's edict which established religious tolerance and freedom of worship.

 

A perfect recipe for big, fat turkish wedding. Ingredients: the couple in love, abounded amount of friends and relatives, loose bodies and rampant on the Middle East known melodies, emotion and future projects, an alternating white dress color and tradition, a disproportionate number of delicious turkish food dishes, all served a sprinkling of authenticity, passion and enthusiasm

 

Cooking time: an entire night to remember for a lifetime. To frame the happy event is the scenic countryside of the city of Antioch, known as Antakya, land border between Turkey and Syria, steeped in history and sacredness, situated on the banks of the river Asi Nehri, the ancient Orontes River. In past centuries had managed to earn the title of "Queen of the East" due to its commercial vitality

and cultural. Today, however, it is especially famous for hosting the cave church which takes the name of St. Peter's Grotto, where the apostle preached for the first, very first time in history. The place of receipt, an elegant Ottoman style not far from the city center, is preparing to welcome hundreds of guests anxiously waiting. On the tables, dressed in white linen cloths, stands the intense blue of the favors, consisting of small Nazar Boncuk, or the typical talisman Turkish matrix in the shape of half-title that serves to repel the negative spirits. Waiting for the arrival all the guests, I am offered me tea. We should change the phrase "smoking like  turkish" in "to drink tea as a turkish "

 

They call çay, serve it in small glass cups with a tapered shape and, accompanied by secular rituals, it is consumed at any time of day or night. Served too hot then, waiting for it to cool, you take advantage of those few minutes to enjoy a moment of rest and to swap two chicchere in the company. The parents of the couple, trying to disguise that mixture of excitement and nervousness, proud smile at the entrance of the building, welcoming the growing number of cars arriving at the entrance. Yes, I want. And 'finally all set, which the party begin! Once at the table I could not help myself from wanting to taste everything. The food was delicious. Thanks to its geographical position, Antakya has many similarities with the Arab culture, especially with regard to the culinary sphere. My palate, then, had before him the embarrassment of the choice: generous plates of hummus, chickpea sauce and sesame seeds, topped with excellent olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley and paprika. And then falafel,

fried and spicy meatballs made with beans, alternating with generous plates of olives and Muhammara, a creamy pepper sauce, breadcrumbs and nuts. All washed down with liters of chilled white wine and raki, a highly alcoholic beverage as well as a source of pride in the Turkish tradition, consisting of water, anise and mint. It 'amazing how the simple ingredients so they can give birth to so refined dishes. The couple, after being gloriously entered the room, greeted by the applause of all present, greeted each guest. Her, wrapped in a beautiful white dress, carrying a basket in which the guests handing out the gift of a gold coin. Alternatively, those who preferred to give directly the classic but always well liked money, attacked him with a safety pin directly on the jacket of the birthday

 

The dances are opened to the tune of skilled drummers and zurna players, one to a typical wind instrument of the Arab countries. From that time the Middle Eastern rhythm begins to flow in the veins of every guest, taking possession of the entire room. As per tradition, even if for a few minutes, all those present have the opportunity to dance with the couple and to celebrate it, then, through the powerful fascination of music. Dozens and dozens of hands-free swim in the air, snapping his fingers. The task of men is quite simple: keep the high and arms outstretched at your sides, making small moves wrapped around himself. Women, by contrast, more feminine, they swung their hands up, as if they had an invisible pencil between the fingers with which to draw so many different images, and then, at the end of the evening, guess profile. Modern belly dancers in high heels fairs retrace centuries of history through the movements of your body.

    

I had the feeling of being inside a movie surrounded by an authentic, pure and beautiful spirit turkish, observed and quietly protected by the many eyes luck intent to dispel any kind of negative energy. Mediterranean flavors and colors of a land not too far away who meet to weave a single thread that unites a contemporary tradition. The testimony of a people who still dazzles thanks to its genuine essence. A window of a rich panorama of shades in warm colors, bright, alive. An innate need of sharing and hospitality, unfortunately, too often has ceased to be part of our daily lives. A young couple confirms, before the eyes of hundreds of witnesses, the strength of their love. A fragment of the world in the world. A music fragment in music. A fragment of beauty in the beauty. All in All. A big, fat wedding turkish . 

  

 

In Morocco, the wedding celebration includes several well-organized ceremonies, which last from three days to a week, depending on the family and the region. These festivals are always the perfect opportunity to combine the Moroccan families and to show the wealth of customs and traditions through clothing, art, music and cuisine that is represented by a delicious cocktail.
The wedding dress is usually a caftan, a kind of long silk robe, sa
tajine
The bride and groom begin the formalities for marriage a year before the celebrations. Sometimes it is a simple agreement signed in the presence of witnesses and all'Adoul (notary), but in general an act of formal commitment of marriage is established in the presence of family members of the couple. The husband is obliged to give gifts to his future wife. Some gifts can be symbolic, like sugar that is a happy life, or milk that represents purity, or other gifts such as water, orange blossom and henna. These gifts include the engagement ring. The gifts vary according to the region of Morocco, from jewelry, shoes, bags and perfumes. These gifts are typically arranged in a very large container of silver, flat and closed with a conical lid that is similar to the shape of a great Tajin

Two days before the wedding, the bride is required to go to the traditional Hamam, with her friends and relatives. And 'it considered as an act of purification, and is accompanied by beautiful traditional songs performed by his friends. A professional artist draws symbolic motifs on the hands and feet of the bride with henna (in some cases even friends and relatives invited to the wedding can be to paint their hands with henna) good luck for his new life

 

 

 

 .                        Henna

 

 

 

he ceremony began with the singing and dancing, the Islamic tradition demands that the ceremony began with the reading of Quranic verses and songs in praise of the Prophet. Guests gather in a large room. The bride, dressed in a white caftan and beautiful jewelry, makes for a big chair "Amariya" along with her husband. Four strong men carry the 'Amariya around the bridal chamber, so that each guest can see and wish for the couple much happiness and good luck, accompanied by the music of a traditional live band. After a few laps for the great hall of the guests, the couple falls in the Amariya sits on strategically centered in the room comfortable chairs, where guests will get in posing for pictures. During the ceremony, the bride often changes clothes and can wear seven different outfits, in general, however, wearing a magnificent white wedding dress.
The bride is surrounded by "Neggafates" that are the wedding planners masters, since no marriage can take place without their presence. Their main task is to help the couple to dress in traditional Moroccan clothes, make-up, jewelry, hairstyles, etc. assisting them and make them look their best, giving style and taste, with a touch of tradition. The Moroccan weddings are also known for the variety of their exotic dishe

 

 

 the bride is surrounded by "Neggafates" that are the wedding planners masters, since no marriage can take place without their presence. Their main task is to help the couple to dress in traditional Moroccan clothes, make-up, jewelry, hairstyles, etc. assisting them and make them look their best, giving style and taste, with a touch of tradition. The Moroccan weddings are also known for the variety of their exotic dishes.

 

 

 

 

The ceremony usually ends around 5 o'clock in the morning. At the end of the wedding there will be a parade of cars on the streets of the neighborhoods, stopping at specific points (beaches, parks or local) to take pictures with friends. In some regions of Morocco, the bride is welcomed by the groom's mother, who will offer some symbolic gifts as a sign of welcome and affection

 

 

The first night of the new year (ennayr), each family participates in Kabyle Talkimt n djiwnegh (literally dumpling “I’m not hungry anymore”). You eat “the seven vegetables” with couscous (including artichokes, wild asparagus, watercress, honeysuckle, leeks). After the meal, one of the women presented a couscous ball to each guest who must refuse, after which she has on the doorpost of the house, depending on how the wind has scattered the pellet overnight and will there be filed (feather, hair, strand of wool, etc.), we will determine the auspicious of starts yEAR. The next night, everyone must eat a whole poultry and eggs, being careful not to throw the shells until the next day, so as not to run out of money. Finally, the hostess changes the hearth stones and gets rid of old.

The Arabic spoken in Algeria introduced many REGIONAL DIFFERENCES. For example it is softer on the Tunisian side and more guttural approach to the Moroccan border. Language of Berber origin as the Tuareg (tamachek) and the Kabyle (Tamazight) are also spoken in the country. Tamazight SUMMER has officially recognized as a second national language in Algeria in March 2002.

The Arabic pronunciation is difficult. It is characterized not including the use of diphthongs aw ( “aug”), have ( “ai”) and ay ei (as in “earthenware”). Three consonants are particularly difficult to pronounce for the beginner. This is the voiceless stop ( ‘) and ayn sounds (sound fricative) and rayn ( “gh”). These last two are obtained fairly low in the throat and is vocalized by guttural contraction accompanied by a kind of lisp.

The transcript of the Arabic alphabet into Latin alphabet does not obey strict rules. Here are some useful words and phrases:

hello: as-salam ‘alay koum

goodbye: ma’as -salam

On Amazing testimonies of rock art were discovered in THE REGION Saharan Tassili n’Ajjer in the southeast end of the country. Revealed for the first time in 1934, these works from the Neolithic testify animals representing many of the past wealth of the Saharan ecosystem. They are classified on the list of the HUMANITY’s Heritage by Unesco.

Closer to home, the artistic traditions are illustrated by a rich and varied crafts. The art of weaving, reflecting in particular the contribution in the Algerian Berber culture, comes in multiple varieties. Each region is characterized by a specific production, recognizable by its motives and its colors. Another piece of the artistic and artisanal Algerian production, ceramic benefited from Roman and Andalusian contributions. Like pottery – whose use is primarily domestic – she is Also enriched with Turkish influences.

If the craft is primarily RESERVED women, music is a man’s game. While subtle variations lute of Arab-Andalusian music anchor the musical repertoire in the Algerian tradition, modern rai symbolizes its renewal. Appeared in the 1970s around Oran, it combines traditional instruments with synthesizers and guitars Electric. Its leading figures are Boutella Safi, Cheb Mami and Cheb Khaled, now world famous. The Chaabi music is a popular version of the classic Arab-Andalusian music. The fame of the Kabyle song finally surpassed the borders of the country in recent decades thanks to artists like Ait Idir and Menguelet.

The cinema shows including through often engaged works of several filmmakers Kabyle. Include first Azzedine Meddour (The Mountain of Baya, 1997) and Abderrahmane Bouguermouh, author of The Hill FORGOTTEN (1997), first film shot in Tamazight.

The main figures of contemporary Algerian literature are Rachid Boudjedra (repudiation), Rachid Mimouni (The River diverted), Mohammed Moulessehoul (What dream wolves under the pseudonym Commissioner Llob and Fall of chimeras, as the Yasmina Khadra) and, more recently, Salim Bachi (The Hound of Ulysses).

Algerian cuisine is close to his cousins Tunisian and Moroccan but has some differences.

A classic hot starter is choukchouka, composed of tomatoes, peppers and spices together and reduced-RELATED using some beaten eggs, added after cooking. Salads Eggplant and preserved lemons, or peppers and tomatoes, are also among the appetizers most prevalent.

Chorba is a Thick, velvety soup with mutton, vegetables, chickpeas, vermicelli and Spice. It is traditionally served during the breaking the fast of Ramadan, at the fall of the sun. The hrira (or harira) is a soup of vegetables, spices and coriander.

No introduction couscous dish of vegetables, meat and rolled semolina and sifted by hand. Originally festive dish, he met many varieties of tagines and stews on restaurant menus.

Horned gazelles, makroute, amandines and other pastries made with almonds, dates and honey usually end up eating.

The most popular drink is green tea with mint. Since franÇaise colonization, REGIONS Algiers and Oran produce wine. The most famous wines are the Coteaux de Mascara (red and pink) and Coteaux de Tlemcen (red, pink and white) IN THE REGION products Oran. Sodas and mineral waters are Also available in the country.

The food offered in the Sahara is, of course, more summary. It consists of flat bread cooked in the sand (traditional tagella), dates, tea and provisions that you or the organizer of your circuit will have washed away to the bivouac (preserves, pasta, rice, etc.). Meat and couscous are generally prepared: nearby oases.

state religion in Algeria, Islam draws from the same roots as the other monotheistic religions born in the Middle East: Judaism and Christianity. The holy book of Islam, the Koran, and frequently referred to also present characters in the Bible or the Torah.

The official language is Arabic.

Language spoken

In addition to Arabic, French is widely spoken. Berber, dominant in the mountains, is quite present in the cities.

People

It is generally believed that Morocco is populated d’Arabes and Berbers. It is true that these two groups are dominant, even if they are not alone. Arabs make up about half the population. From the conquering tribes, they are mostly urban dwellers. The Berbers (Morocco’s first occupants, their name comes from the Latin barbarus), to the opposite, form the bulk of the population of mountain and desert. generally divided into four groups, speaking four variants of the Berber language: the Rif, the Middle Atlas group, the Berbers of the High Atlas and nomadic groups of the southern provinces (mainly Reguibat). While speaking a language close to tamachek, the Reguibat are not Tuaregs. To a Westerner, the most visible difference between them is the saddle; Reguibat the saddle-shaped shell and its ornamentation is more sober. A story on the Berbers of the High Atlas, which are essentially Chleuhs. Their reputation for indomitable warriors is legendary to the point that their name became, during World War II, the nickname given to German soldiers. The Jewish population is still large and enjoys a strong economic position. It is true that Morocco has always been very tolerant towards the Jews, who have never been d’avanies and are perfectly integrated. Finally, there have been two minority populations: the West (more than 100 000 people) and in the south, Haratine, descendant of slaves of nomads.

Religion

The Morocco practice Sunni Islam, largely majority branch in the Muslim world. The rites belong to the Maliki school, which advocates a fairly flexible interpretation of the Koran and a wide tolerance. However, sometimes we see reflected in some pilgrimages, ancient beliefs Berbers. The cult of marabouts can remind our worship of saints, although the Islam condemns. The marabouts are personalities rather benevolent that is used as intercessors to pray to God.

National Holiday

National holidays (these holidays are calculated using the Gregorian calendar): – 1 January: New Year. – January 11: Independence Manifesto. – May 1: Labor Day. – July 30: Feast of the Throne. This is the most important civil holiday in Morocco. – August 14: Allegiance of Oued Ed-Dahab. – August 20: Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the people. – August 21: Youth Day (King’s birthday). – November 6: Anniversary of the Green March. – November 18: Independence Day.

Holiday Schedule

Religious holidays (they are not statutory holidays, but often not worked, and are calculated according to the lunar calendar, so their dates change every year) – Ramadan (in 2011 it will take place from 1st to 30th August). – Eid el-Fitr (or Eid el-Seghir) marks the end of Ramadan. – Eid al-Adha (or Eid al-Adha) commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham. – Ashura which commemorates the assassination of Hussein and the dead in general. – Mouloud celebrating the birth of the Prophet.

History

The Greek and Latin texts give the inhabitants of present-day Morocco various names. After the Roman conquest at the beginning of the Christian era, the contact will set Barbarus (where Berber), as the Latin division of the world. Solidarity of the Empire, the country suffered barbarian invasions: the Vandals occupy the Tangier region. Then, Morocco remains in the Byzantine sphere of influence. In 682, the Arabs here! From Tunisia, they Islamize the region, they place under the suzerainty of the Umayyad caliphate of Damascus. He finds there a solid base camp for the invasion of Spain. At the end of the eighth century, Idriss, descendant of the law of the Prophet, found refuge in Morocco. Its power recognized by the tribes, it unifies the country and moved the capital to Fez. The idrissides give a boost to their possessions and eventually replace the Umayyad Spain. In the twelfth century the Almoravid Berbers take power at the tip of scimitar and founded Marrakech. Then they pass the century. The Almohad tower. the rough. In Spain, the proverbial cruelty of Almanzor returns to one of them: Al Mansour. But you can get a reputation abroad and ensuring its domestic affairs. In the middle of the thirteenth century, the Beni Merin seize the levers. Las! In Spain the Reconquista reconquered and mérinides amuck and Cadiz, Seville, Cordoba … The taking of Granada in 1492 and a severe plague put an end to the adventure. The sixteenth century will be that of the Arab Beni Saad. They take things in hand: exit the Portuguese, the Spaniards out, here Timbuktu! But only for development and come Alawites, descendants of Ali. They provide a great man. Moulay Ismail will reign sixty years on Morocco (1672-1727). He completed the household undertaken by his predecessors, created an administration and a professional army, strengthen the track of gold to Senegal and tu Louis XIV. In the nineteenth century, Morocco supports Abd-el-Kader against France. Wit, miscalculation: France and Spain impose unequal treaties without firing a shot too. At the first Berber revolt is calling on France and installing the protectorate (1912). Settlement began in style with Lyautey (road construction, city planning, development campaigns and some intelligence domination). His successors are smaller. France is struggling. World War II gave him a role in sham. She loses the hand. Meanwhile, the national idea is gaining ground in Morocco. The United States are in favor of independence. That of Morocco is recognized in 1956. The Sultan Mohamed V drafts a constitution that brings the country into the modern era. This is Hassan II who is responsible for the staging, with mixed results, but the Kingdom is playing its part in the concert of nations. Mohammed VI ascended the throne in 1999. He liberalize political life and is interested in social problems. A bit like Juan Carlos in Spain, he asked, on his accession, strong political action, and slightly indented. With the same result: the popularity of the king is immense.

Policy

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. Parliament is bicameral: a room of 325 members, elected every five years by universal suffrage, and a room of 270 councilors elected indirectly by local authorities, professional organizations and trade unions, renewed by thirds every nine years .

Celebrity

Apart from the king and various sultans may be mentioned the two great writers such as Tahar Ben Jelloun (born in 1944) and Driss Chraibi (1926-2007). They are the visible part of a very rich cultural life. also add the great athlete Hicham El Guerrouj (born in 1974), middle-distance runner, double Olympic champion, four-time world champion, world record holder several times (1500 m, 2000 m, Mile). And note that all Moroccans listen to the songs of Nass El Ghiwane, a group born in Casablanca in the 70; these musicians use traditional instruments and draw on the Moroccan and Arab-Andalusian tradition, but their lyrics poetically reflect contemporary concerns of their contemporaries … One can not help d’évoquer few Westerners Marshal Lyautey (1854-1934) who laid the foundations of modern Morocco and the painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) who did so much to know Marrakech.

Good manners

Tipping is at your discretion. For all those involved within the services purchased through us, you have the assurance that it will never replace the salary. Nevertheless, it is in use: in almost all countries in the world to tip when we were satisfied with the service. For drivers, we recommend at least the equivalent of 2 or 3 euros per day per person. We recommend you double for the guides. Generally, it is best to align your tip on the local economy: the price of a soda or of a tea, a pack of cigarettes, you will outline the standard of living and allow you, as you do naturally you, to estimate the amount. 2 euros per person for holders and 5% of the total bill for the restaurant service are the norm. To use cue points, you can also note the following figures: an English speaking guide can earn 350 dirhams (32 euros) per working day; a guide “natural areas” also; a driver 2000 dirhams (180 euros) per month. If this happens, be avoided, however, encourage begging, especially children. If one wants to help by providing, for example, school material, it is preferable to put these supplies to the teacher of the village or neighborhood, that will to benefit the poor. Morocco is a Muslim country and imposes, as such, respect for some special rules of etiquette – in general, we take off our shoes before entering a room; This is imperative when viewed filed shoes near the door; – Women, in particular, avoid provocative clothing; – We will always accept the mint tea, of hospitality gesture; – If we are invited to share a family meal, wait to start the householder had said “bismillah” ( “in the name of God”); you will taste all without feeling obliged to finish his plate; – We do not criticize the Moroccan organization, religion and the monarchy; – You never will photograph a person without asking permission; – Ramadan is practiced by all Moroccans (and thus by those you rub during your stay); during the month of fasting, Muslims are prohibited from drinking, eating and smoking from sunrise to sunset, the five daily prayers must be respected; travelers avoid drinking, eating or smoking in public during the day and accept the judgments and constraints related to the breaking of the fast. Also, be aware, that in Morocco, the access to most mosques and holy places is forbidden to non-Muslims. However, some exceptions will be noted as the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, Mausoleum Mohamed V in Rabat, the Mausoleum Moulay Ismail in Meknes or mausoleum Moulay Ali Cherif Rissani (however, only the patio and during these two sites can be visited by non-Muslims).

shopping

Morocco is a country in the beautiful craftsmanship and extraordinarily varied. Carpets to the silverware, leather worked in wood, will often difficult to choose. also remember that bargaining is a fundamental practice of the Moroccan trade, especially in the souks. Carpets: provided you take the time to select and negotiate for a wool rug is probably one of the best purchases you can do in Morocco. We distinguish urban carpet, especially those of Rabat, usually adorned of a central motif, the Kouba, rural carpets, decorated or plain, of different colors depending on their origin. Kilims are woven. Avoid: synthetic carpets, which have emerged in recent years, especially in the region of Ouarzazate. Articles made of copper and bronze: the most famous are the chiselled trays, engraved or hammered. Jewelry: mostly silver. The former Tuareg jewelry or collectibles, are extremely rare, but the Moroccan craftsmen realize beautiful copies (to be acquired at a price of copies). Other hand, we find in Morocco a lot of jewelry made in India, Indonesia and Niger. Minerals and fossils in this area too, caution is in order. For most, minerals and fossils proposed are fake. Leather: ancient Moroccan tradition – clothes, bags, cushions, slippers, sandals … These articles are often cheap (but ensure the quality of leather used). Wood: another ancient tradition, woodworking, whether d’ébénisterie or marquetry, is one of the great specialties of the Moroccan craftsmen. We admire their work in the souks of Marrakech and Essaouira. Pottery: that is Fez, Meknes, Safi and Marrakech that we find the best potters in Morocco. Masters in the art of copying, they will dazzle you with the beauty of their dishes (or Gothar mokfia), their jars (Khabia), their butter jars (gellouch) or their pitchers (ghorraf). Basketry: Berber baskets, baskets, bags of all sizes, baskets, under-the-flat, hats, Moroccan weavers know everything. You’ll also find an abundance medicinal plants, traditional beauty products, perfumes, spices … The East …

cooking

The tagine is nothing else than the flat in which cooked stew, which took its name. A meat (lamb, chicken) and all vegetables that d’ajouter please the cook, the lemon confit with eggplant and almond prune. More spices, carefully measured. In fact, a tagine is never the same twice. Another classic, couscous, we eat salty or sweet and sour. It is good when the meal is good. Pastillas are a festive dish; Phyllo brick stuffed pigeon, chicken, fish or vermicelli. Moroccans particularly appreciate the harira, or chickpea soup, and Bissara soup beans. To this base pulses are added spices, condiments and meat, which make these soups to full meals. As many vegetables as salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beets, the range is put to use. Finally, for those who still have a little hungry, the pastries are generally based sweet almond and honey.