Exhibitions in Morocco

Many exhibitions in all domains are organized every year in all countries. In Morocco too many exhibitions are organized throughout the year, and many of them have an international dimension. In this article I will focus on some of the main exhibitions held in this country by giving some basic information about them.

The International Books and Edition Exhibition

This exhibition takes place every year in February every year in Casablanca, Morocco's largest and the economic capital of the country.

 This exhibition is one of the most famous exhibitions in Morocco and witnesses the attendance and the participation of many editors of different nationalities. This exhibition will give you the chance to discover many new books from Morocco and other countries dealing with many domains, such as literature, history, linguistics, etc. You can also profit from the cultural meetings that are organized during the days of this exhibition.

The National Craftsmanship Exhibition


This exhibition takes place in March in Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. It is an excellent chance for visitors to have a clear idea of the new traditional products that reflect the unique savoir-faire of Moroccan craftsmen as well as their creative abilities to develop their work. The exhibition showcases countless types of crafts, including high-fashion, cooking, carpets, wood-work, ceramics, etc.
The National Agriculture Exhibition

This exhibition takes place in May in Meknes, which is one of the oldest cities in Morocco and has a very long and great history. This exhibition is an important chance for visitors to discover the agricultural development in Morocco, especially in terms of innovative agricultural production technologies,equipment for crop cultivation or new techniques for the development of beekeeping, livestock expertise, etc.

Bride Exhibition


  This exhibition takes place every year in May in Casablanca, and is an excellent occasion for any bride wanting to get married to have a good look at everything new in terms of clothes, make-up, accessories, perfumes, etc. This exhibition also gives a great chance for the party's organizers to show their services and their offers. Moreover, visitors will discover the beauty of marriage in Morocco, which is a wonderful reflection of its rich popular heritage, and will enjoy a wedding party organized to show the charm of Moroccan weddings. This celebration makes a perfect conciliation between Moroccan authenticity and modern culture in order to show the Moroccan society's enormous desire to welcome other cultures while preserving its original idiosyncrasy.

So, Morocco organizes every year many exhibitions not only to show its own cultural heritage and its proficiency in all domains, but also to open up a window to receive other cultures and thus promote an atmosphere full of peace, love and tolerance. Everyone is invited to discover Morocco's exhibitions as the best way to understand the Moroccan mentality, which is open-minded and tolerant.

Visit Morocco and enjoy the numerous exhibitions and countless other events that it offers. Hotels in Morocco are of the highest quality, so you can visit any of its fascinating cities. You can choose to come to Fez, where you can stay in a typical riad in Fez, or to the Ochre City and stay in a charming riad in Marrakech too. For an unforgettable holiday in Morocco and a great chance to discover some fantastic exhibitions, do not hesitate to visit this fascinating city.



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Travelling to the Moroccan Desert From Your Villa in Marrakesh

Those visiting Morocco will find that this country is not only rich thanks to its long history and its great civilization, but also because of the natural spaces it offers. These beautiful spaces are stunning, and the country's natural diversity is seldom found in any other country.

 Southern Morocco is a particularly wonderful region to discover the beauty of the desert, with its manifold faces.

So, in the present article I will shed some light on the life in the Moroccan desert, as well as the tourist attractions and places of interest that are offered to visitors in this region.

Life in the Moroccan desert may seem simple and difficult, but it is very expressive, mostly because it shows that the Sahrawi people always insist on expressing their strong attachment to all their tradition and customs. 

This attachment can be seen in many aspects, such as their clothes (the "malhfa" a sort of veil or cloak for women that covers the entire body, or the "deraa", which is a dress for men), their music (especially the "hassany" music), their food (like the "azzrig", a drink consisting of flour, water and sugar and drunk in the summer, or the "maro", a special Sahrawi bread made with meat and rice and prepared in the sand) and drinks, like the special Sahrawi tea.

There are many tourist attractions awaiting your visit, as well as many activities that are offered for you to make the most of your holidays. First of all, you can visit M'hamid El Ghizlan, located 45 miles from Zagora, where you can attend the fascinating festivals "Taragalte, Sahara and Culture" and "International Nomads Festival" and immerse yourself in the local musical and cultural heritage of the region. 

Then you can enjoy a magical trip to Merzouga, near to Errachidia, at the very gates of the desert.

You can also visit many other places and cities, such as Dakhla, Lâayoune, Goulmim, where you will get a great chance to practice rare and exciting activities such as camel riding.

We can say that the Moroccan desert is a magical space that clearly expresses their people's attachment life in spite of its many difficulties.

 If you want to get a wonderful opportunity to get the experience of living in tents and exploring the sand seas, you are more than welcome to come to Morocco, a fascinating destination offering a perfect trip to discover its desert and to get to know the local people, who always welcome visitors regardless of their nationality and cultural background. So, in order for you to have unforgettable holiday in an atmosphere full of harmony, peace and tolerance, contact your travel agency!

If you want to visit the Moroccan desert and enjoy its stunning natural beauty and its cultural diversity, your best choice is to stay in a villa in Marrakesh, a stunning and impressive city quite close to Essaouira and extremely well connected.

For your accommodation in Marrakesh, you can stay in a villa or in a traditional riad, where you will enjoy all the comfort and the charm of the city.

 You can rent a villa in Marrakech and discover the stunning beauty of this fascinating country where you will admire its desert and will enjoy its permanent sunshine and its incomparable magic.


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Celebrations in Morocco

There is no doubt that every nation has its own occasions to celebrate, to express its happiness and its desire to preserve its heritage, and Moroccan society also celebrates many occasions in order to realize that purpose. These celebrations have a symbolic sense in which one can notice a perfect fusion between Islamic symbols and Amazigh symbols.

 In this article, I will mention some Moroccan festive occasions and traditions that are practiced in this country.

 Moroccan families celebrate their children's life from their birth to their marriage. First of all, there is the Sabee or Sboa, which is celebrated on the 7th day of the birth of a child, when the father cuts the throat of a sheep for a daughter and of two sheep for a son, and then gives a name to the child. 

Then, the parents invite all their friends and neighbours to share in their happiness for the naming of this new family member. Next, they celebrate L'khtana, when their son circumcised.

 In the past, this operation used to be carried out by a person called L'hajjam, but now the child is usually taken to the doctor in order to avoid all dangers or complications. After that, the parents organise a big party to celebrate this important event.
We also have the Syam L'ouel, which means "the first day of fast", when parents prepare a special meal for their child, consisting of honey, dry fruits, cakes, etc. They take their child, who is considered as a bride or a groom, dressed in his or her traditional clothes, to the photographer in order to take some pictures as a keepsake.

 All these celebrations are organised on this special day to make the child ready to practice easily this important Islamic pillar.

                                                       Tahalaoui's praying in the musalla


In addition to that, Moroccan society celebrates many other special days, such as the Aid Al Adha or the Aid L'kbir, which is considered to be the greatest religious occasion for all Muslims, when all the people go in the morning to attend the special prayer that is organized on this day. 

                                      Boulfaf on the grill.

Then they come back to cut the throat of a sheep, after which they prepare the boulfaf from the sheep's liver and all the members of the family eat together. In the afternoon, families exchange visits at other family members' places.

Last but not least, there is the Achoura day, which is celebrated a month after the Aid Al Adha, when the mothers prepare couscous with 7 vegetables and the children practice some traditions like Baba Aichor. Also, the parents buy some games and toys for their children and women also buy some traditional musical instruments (such as the ta'arija, the bandir, etc.).

 In this particular occasion, we can notice the cross between what is religious and what is cultural and traditional.
 So, Moroccan celebrations are a perfect opportunity for Moroccans to be reconciled with each other and to exchange visits in an atmosphere full of love, tolerance and solidarity. 

Also, Moroccan festive occasions will give you the chance to discover the Moroccan popular culture, which is an excellent mixture between different cultures and reflects the variety and the richness of Moroccan cultural heritage in all domains.

Come to Morocco and celebrate its diverse culture and profuse heritage. You may want to stay in one of the fantastic riads in Marrakech, where you can celebrate or witness some of the major Moroccan festivities, or in a hotel in Marrakech. You can also stay in a lovely villa in Marrakech, closer to the rural areas, where the inhabitants will welcome you to their traditional ceremonies with open arms.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2550067

Morocco AdventureTours From Marrakech

Marrakech is a captivating city that offers innumerable opportunities to explore Morocco's countryside, beach resorts, mountain ranges and desert areas.
 From Marrakech, an extraordinarily well connected city, it is easy to travel to some of the most marvellous places in the country, including the "Land of the Thousand Kasbahs" in the Ouarzazate region, a trekking or rafting expedition in the Ourika Valley or a visit to the stunning Ouzoud Cascades.

1. Ouarzazate - Tizi n'Tichka - Ait Benhaddou   

The route to Ouarzazate through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass on the High Atlas and to the stunning Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is an astounding itinerary that offers a first glimpse of the desert on the gateway to the Sahara Desert, as well as an incomparable chance to visit the great Kasbahs built by the Berber tribes who once ruled the High Atlas region.

 One of the top places on this path is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, an impressive ksar or fortified village consisting of a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, in the manner of a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers.

In Ouarzazate, you can't miss a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, where numerous films where shot, including "Lawrence of Arabia", "the Mummy", "Gladiator", "Cleopatra", and "the Jewel of the Nile" among many others.

2. One-day trip (or Rafting Expeditions) to the Ourika Valley
Heading south from Marrakech, you enter a colourful landscape full of valleys and waterfalls and advance through the green orchards of the Haouz plain with the grandiose Atlas Mountains permanently in the background. At last, you will reach Tnine-de-l'Ourika, from which you penetrate into the lovely Ourika Valley.

Along the way and on the route to Setti Fatma, you will get a chance to admire the strange beauty of the Berber villages built in clay in the 16th and 17th centuries, and hanging to the hills. There, you can't miss the opportunity to visit a traditional Moroccan house, to experience first hand the Berber traditional way of life.

For those seeking action and adventure, it is possible to enjoy a one-day rafting expedition in the Ourika Valley. The rapids on the Ourika Assiff stretch for over 6 miles in several class 3 and 4+ rapids and are surrounded by stunning red, emerald and ochre landscapes and crowned by the impressive outline of the Atlas Mountains.

3. Ouzoud Cascades

 The Ouzoud waterfalls are one of the most stunning sights in Southern Morocco and are surrounded by exuberant, luxuriant vegetation. The cascades are over 330 feet high and drop vertiginously onto several platforms, thus projecting in the air an infinity of tiny water drops that create an almost permanent rainbow.

In order to get to the cascades, you will drive through roads surrounded by beautiful kasbahs on both sides and across the olive groves of Damnate. The deep green valleys and the stunning views of the Jbel Azoukri and the Jbel Ghat mountains will be topped with the sight of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Come to Marrakech and enjoy all these Morocco adventure tours, full of beauty, adventure and mystery.






From Marrakech you will enjoy an unbeatable opportunity to participate in some of the most exciting tourism trips in Morocco, and you will discover the country's lovely cuisine, hospitable people and fascinating culture and history. Visit Marrakech and enjoy some of the most exhilarating and unforgettable Adventure tours Morocco.

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Doing Morocco in the Winter

Winter is the time of year where many people go someplace a bit warmer for a few months. While you may not be able to spend more than a few weeks away from home on your winter vacation, you want to make sure you have some fun in the sun before returning to the wane and watery winter sunless light. Morocco is a great winter vacation destination. The sun shines here almost all year round, the weather is warm and comfortable and there are plenty of things to do to while you visit the country.

It doesn't matter whether you prefer coastal seaside resorts or hiking up in the mountains, the country of Morocco offers it all. White water rafting, hiking, shopping, touring...there are literally hundreds of things to do and see in this magnificent country. Here are a few places to go and things to do that we suggest you may enjoy while taking a winter trip away from the cold and into the warmth of Morocco.

Morocco Cities Worth Seeing

The cities of Morocco each have their own quirks and tourist attractions. While you find mosques, medinas, and souks in just about every one of them, they all have at least one thing that is special to the city alone. Casablanca is referred to as the 'Miami of Morocco' and is a fairly modern city that was immortalized in the movie of the same name. There you will find a bar that resembles 'Rick's Place' where you hear Humphrey Bogart say 'Play it again, Sam'.

Fez

Fez is the oldest city in the country with many buildings dating back to around 700 AD. It has a maze of tiny streets that are big enough for mules or donkeys to pass through and it is the heart of the country's spiritual and cultural way of life.  

 Marrakesh

Marrakesh is typical of Moroccan life including historic sites, beautiful gardens, a music square and plenty of night life and good food to enjoy. If you are looking to enjoy a true Arabian Night type evening, then you will want to visit the Riad Zaouia with its buffet of Moroccan food, musicians, fire-eater, snake charmers, and belly dancers.

  Tangier

  Tangier was once a very seedy city with nightlife that was like no other with wild parties and hell-rakes all around. It fell out of favour for a while, but it is now once again becoming popular it you want to visit someplace that is out on the edge. It is currently preparing for International Exposition and its infamous Jazz festival is held in late May.

Things To Do in Morocco

You can get away from the hustle and bustle of Morocco's cities easy enough and the activities that are available for you to enjoy vary. If you enjoy hiking, then traveling up into the Atlas Mountains to see the small villages nestled on its slopes and experience the wild scenery is the perfect adventure for you.

 For those who prefer not to walk, you will be able to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains, allowing you to stretch further afield and maybe even visit with one of the nomadic Berber tribes whose way of life has not changed in centuries. While you're up in the mountains, try your hand on some of the ski slopes there. After all, it is winter.

The mountains aren't your style? 

Then head out into the Sahara desert on a guided camel tour. You'll live like the Berber tribes who have made their lives on the desert sleeping in tents or under the beautiful and unobstructed night sky. The Draa Valley at the edge of the desert provides you with some great hiking and camel climbing, or you could work your way to the south-eastern oasis town of Ouarzazate where Ridley Scott's 'Body of Lies' was filmed. It's known as 'Africa's Hollywood' and this town has been seen in blockbuster hits such as 'Gladiator', 'Rules of Engagement' and 'Babel'.

Long Journeys

There are trains that run from one end of the country to the other and some offer train tours that allow you to visit different cities without worrying about driving. You could travel from Marrakesh to Andalucía on one such tour and get the opportunity to see the cities in between as well as Cordoba and Madrid, two cities in Spain that were heavily influenced by the Moors. Mountain biking and fly-drive tours are also available in Morocco and there is never a dull moment in this Mediterranean country.

Don't sit at home wondering what kind of vacation you should take during the winter. Head out to Morocco and experience the country like never before. There is plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty of beaches to enjoy if soaking up the warm sun before heading home to the winter air is what you enjoy.

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Arabian Nights in Mysterious Morocco - 7 Places You Must See in Morocco

Two weeks are barely long enough to fully embrace the atmospheric Arabian nights when you go on an adventure tour in Morocco. But it certainly beats not going at all. When you do visit, these are the seven places you must see in Morocco.

Casablanca 

Casablanca of Humphrey Bogart fame now boasts top class hotels nestled comfortably in ancient streets. Spend more than a week here and you may not be able to drag yourself away.

Fez
Fez is the oldest of the Imperial Cities and one of the holiest cities in the Islamic World and definitely on the "Places You Must See In Morocco" list.

 Meknes

The Imperial City of Meknes offers culture such as the Bou Inania Medersa and a marvelous souq (market) where you'll find every activity and everything you could ever need.

Altas Mountains

The Altas Mountains are home to typical Moroccans and the famous Barbary Apes. The Berber people herd sheep and work in the fields while nomadic farmers live in traditional goat-hair tents.

 Todra Gorge


The Todra Gorge is one of the greatest natural wonders in Morocco but not all adventure tours in Morocco go there.
Ait Ben Haddou is a spectacular collection of kasbahs perched upon a hilltop. The haven for the film-makers of "Gladiator", "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Lawrence of Arabia".
 Marrakech

  Marrakech, a chaotic and charismatic market city, is the centre of culture and tourism in Morocco. Djemaa el Fna, the central square, gives you a real taste of the region. Packed full of traders, Berber musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, witch doctors, wise men, acrobats and tooth pullers, the hypnotic charm of the square will soon rub off on you.

Over the years many people have explored the mysteries of Morocco and recommended other places you must see in Morocco.

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Buying Property in Morocco - An Attractive Overseas Investment

The property in Morocco is fast becoming an overseas investor favorite due to its transparent economy and huge potential on this flourishing market. The media has indeed elevated its status by such large projects as the 'Vision 2010' which encompassed vast economic developments and widespread upgrades to the tourist sector.

There has been an increase in televised programs and newspapers that continuously publicize the rise of the Moroccan property market, with statistics now showing that currently 3 out of 5 African properties owned by Europeans overseas are within Morocco.

 This figure is very likely to increase as the government continues to push more initiatives to favor foreign investment and tourism, a win-win situation as the country's economic growth steadily increases and foreign investors will eye a much more favorable market amongst its nearby competition of the likes of Spain, Egypt, Turkey and even Dubai, which are struggling with the pace at which Moroccan properties are rapidly converting.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism in Morocco is set for steady growth within the next 5 years by between two and four percent.

 More tourism means the need for more accommodation; the property rental in Morocco is booming and attracting investors in the plenty.
 Luxury hotels are being built and upgraded all over the country; to name Marrakech that will be opening 20 large 5 star hotel within the festive season alone.

 Among the British who now see Morocco real estate as a better option than its Spanish counterpart, so do the Spanish, the French and the Italians. Where the Spanish property market is over saturated with higher risk and prices, the Moroccan property market is still young and has a lower risk to returns ratio.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5093521

Riads in Marrakech - Still the Place to Go !

Despite the recent happenings and political troubles in neighboring countries, the tourism in Morocco is still going strong. People regard Morocco generally still as a safe place to go. The political climate has settled in the past years and tourists are a more than welcome and common sight in the buzzing Medinas.
 

Marrakech and its Riads have always been a good bet for some very relaxing days, the long forgotten vision of a colorful, exotic and fascinating orient still can be found in most of the old quarters of cities in Morocco. So what is this riad thing people keep on talking about and what is so special?

In all medinas (old towns) of Morocco you can find Riads, the so-called inner courtyards houses: For example Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, El Jadida, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Rabat, Tangier with their ancient medinas accommodate these treasures of Moroccan architecture: the riads (also: Riyad, Ryad or Riyad).

If you stroll through the streets of a Medina, you can hardly imagine how magnificent these townhouses look behind its thick walls and inconspicuous doors from the inside.

When you first step into a Foyer behind one of those thick wooden doors you can not imagine the luxury you will experience.

A real Riad is built around a landscaped courtyard. 

The courtyards were used among other things as gardens or retreats from the sun. This patio, often with a fountain, is the heart of such a town house. All rooms are facing the patio. Rarely there are windows into the street. Mostly these are, then, quite small and give little opportunity to observe life in the streets.

A Riad usually has 2 - 3 levels.

 The meter thick walls that are conserving heat from the day and the cool of the day in order to keep a steady climate within the walls. The terraces on the roofs were once reserved for women. Here they had their "freedom", it was sort of the communication window to the world - over the roofs of the neighbors.

Today, the most beautifully decorated terraces are grassed and invite you to sunbathe or to a beautiful panoramic view over the rooftops of the medina.

Until 20 years ago hardly anyone was interested in riads. At present, the riads are very fashionable and a perfect place to spend a couple of days far off the usual western life.

Any travel agency will be able to provide you with the right accommodation, but it is recommended to book online. The prices are cheaper and the variety bigger.

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