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.