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Moroccan Music and Dance: Rhythms that Enchant the Soul

In the captivating land of Morocco, music and dance hold a profound place in the hearts of its people. From the mesmerizing rhythms of Gnawa to the lively movements of belly dance and the spirited folk dances like Ahidous and Raïs, Moroccan music and dance form an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the enchanting world of Moroccan music and dance, delving into their cultural
significance and their role in Moroccan society.

Moroccan music is a vibrant mosaic of diverse influences, blending Berber, Arab, African, and Andalusian traditions. Traditional instruments like the oud (a stringed instrument), the guembri (a three-stringed bass lute), and the qraqeb (metal castanets) create a distinctive sound. From soul-stirring songs of longing and love to joyful melodies that accompany celebrations and festivals, Moroccan music weaves stories of the country’s history, traditions, and daily life.

  • The mystical rhythms of Gnawa: with its entrancing beats and spiritual undertones, holds a special place in Moroccan culture. Rooted in African and Sufi traditions, Gnawa music combines soulful chants, rhythmic drumming, and the distinctive sound of the guembri. Gnawa rituals, known as “lilas,” are ceremonies where musicians and devotees come together to evoke spiritual healing and trance-like states through music and dance.
  • Belly Dance, the art of expressive movement: Known as “raqs sharqi,” is an enchanting and expressive dance form that originated in the Middle East and North Africa, including Morocco. It is characterized by graceful movements of the hips, fluid arm movements, and intricate isolations of different body parts. In Morocco, belly dance has its own unique style, blending elements of Berber and Arab traditions. It is not only a form of entertainment but also a celebration of feminine beauty and a reflection of Moroccan cultural identity.
  • Folk Dances, celebrating traditions: Morocco’s folk dances are an exuberant celebration of community and heritage. Ahidous, a group dance performed by the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains, showcases synchronized movements, rhythmic clapping, and foot-stomping. Raïs, another popular folk dance, originates from the coastal regions and features energetic movements accompanied by lively music. These traditional dances are often performed during weddings, festivals, and cultural gatherings, serving as a way to pass down traditions from one generation to the next.

In Moroccan society, music and dance go beyond entertainment. They are vehicles for cultural expression and communication. They serve as a means to express emotions, tell stories, and reinforce social bonds. From religious ceremonies and spiritual rituals to everyday celebrations and gatherings, music and dance permeate Moroccan life, bringing communities together and preserving cultural traditions.

Moroccan music and dance have not only captivated the hearts of Moroccans but have also made their mark on the global stage. Artists like Nass El Ghiwane, Oum Kalthoum, and Cheb Khaled have brought Moroccan music to international audiences, blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences. In recent years, Moroccan music festivals, such as the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival, have gained prominence, attracting artists and music lovers from around the world.

Beyond entertainment, music and dance play a vital role in Moroccan society, serving as vehicles for cultural expression, storytelling, and community bonding. They preserve traditions, celebrate occasions, and serve as a bridge between generations. So, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Moroccan music and dance, and let its enchantment
transport you to a realm where culture comes alive through melody and movement.

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WHAT TO VISIT IN MOROCCO

Are you planning a trip to Morocco? Well, today we bring you an entry that will be useful to you.

The good weather arrives and with it the holidays and the desire to visit new places, well, if you are planning a trip to Morocco we are going to leave you a few places that you cannot miss!
Morocco is a place full of culture, flavor and emblematic and wonderful places like the ones we are going to name below that will leave you speechless.

  1. MARRAKECH:
    Most travelers who go to Morocco for the first time have their first contact in Marrakech. This fascinating city, in which it is an obligation to stay in a riad in the medina and have tea at sunset while you observe the life and changes of the Jamaa el Fna Square, which is, in addition to an essential visit, a true symbol from the country.
    Marrakech is a city of palaces, markets, gardens, mosques and medersas, although without a doubt, the best thing to do is to get lost aimlessly through its labyrinthine streets and find the true essence of the city.
    Don’t forget to have a fresh orange juice in the market, as in addition to being delicious, it will give you the necessary energy to withstand the high temperatures.
  2. KSAR DE AIT BEN HADDOU, EN OUARZAZATE:
    Ouarzazate is the gateway to the great Sahara desert, where the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou village is located, built in clay and adobe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been the setting for films such as Gladiator.
  3. MERZOUGA:
    One of the places in the Sahara desert that will leave you speechless, since the sea of perfect dunes that draw the landscape make it one of the most beautiful deserts in the world.
    Spending a night in a Jaima under the stars is something non-negotiable.
  4. FEZ:
    Fez, with an 8th century medina declared a World Heritage Site and considered the largest in the world, is one of the cities that you cannot miss. Also, unlike Marrakech, Fez will allow you to enjoy its streets, zocos and Koranic schools in a more peaceful way since its streets
    are not so crowded.
    The most visited place in the walled medina is the Chouwara Tannery, a spectacle of colors and smells that is hard to forget.
  5. CHAOUEN:
    Chaouen or Chefchaouen, known as the blue city, located at the foot of the Rif mountains, is considered the most beautiful city in Morocco.
    Although it has many attractions, the most famous characteristic is the dominant presence of blue in different shades of its houses and streets, something that makes it unique and charming at the same time.
    In addition, its old medina is a paradise for photography lovers, in which you will not be able to stop capturing charming corners as well as enjoying the closeness and hospitality of its people.
    Of course, although walking and getting lost in the blue medina is one of the best things to do in Morocco, you cannot miss going to see the Alcazaba, the Great Mosque or the washing places, other essential points of the city.

    I hope this guide has helped you a bit, and if you visit any of these sites, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment about your experience!!

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    Mint tea, culture and health

    Something that is undeniably an essential part of Moroccan culture is Mint tea, a delicious mix of green tea, mint and sugar.

    Due to the Crimean War in 1850 a British merchant realized that he could not market his gunpowder green tea in Scandinavia, so he decided to market it in Morocco. The locals soon made this tea their own by adding mint and sugar to it.

    This sweet mixture became a hallmark of the country and since then it has been a symbol of hospitality and welcome towards the guests and something essential in their day to day.

    The way to prepare this tea varies a lot from one place to another, but today we want to tell you how we make it.

    The recipe:

    1. Mint leaves are washed to get rid of some toxins and prevent them from giving a bitter taste.

    2. While we boil water, we put a spoonful of gunpowder green tea in the teapot. (the amount of tea will depend on how strong you like your tea and the size of the teapot)

    3. We put a little water on the tea that we have previously placed in the teapot. In this way we wash it a little and discard that water.

    4. Then add the sugar (amount to taste), right after we will add the hot water and bring it to a boil again for about 3 minutes.

    5. Once removed from the heat we will add the mint and just above we will put a little more sugar.

    6. Finally, we let it rest in the teapot for about 5 minutes before serving it.

    It is very important to serve it from above, leaving a considerable distance between the glass and the teapot so that the tea is oxygenated and all the aromas are revealed.

    You’ll know you’ve done it right if a bit of foam remains at the top of the glass after serving.

    In addition to being a fundamental part of the culture and having a wonderful flavor, Mint tea has numerous health benefits such as:

    – Helps the immune system as it contains calcium, magnesium, copper, fluoride, and selenium. Essential minerals for its proper functioning.

    – It makes breathing easier, as it contains menthol, a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory.

    – It helps you relax because it is rich in an amino acid called L-Theanine that increases your GABA levels, a neurotransmitter that helps you stay calm and deal with everyday stress.

    So, Keep Calm and Sip on Moroccan Mint tea!

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