Considered a good luck charm, or talisman, the 5-point design that represents the Hand of Fatima can be seen all over Morocco --- door hinges, like this one, are especially popular.
The history of Morocco predates the arrival of Islam by thousands of years. While earlier faiths and superstitions were generally obliterated or consumed by Islam, certain elements of ancient folklore and mysticism continued to flourish, especially in isolated areas of the country. Today, it is possible to find examples of these ancient beliefs still strongly expressed in the traditional life of Berbers, especially away from the larger cities.
Animistic beliefs have no disappeared in Morocco, and it is not uncommon to hear stories about djinns being told in the villages of the Atlas or Sahara. Djinns are spirits, either good or evil, who control people and their actions. These elementals are considered very real in some places, and great efforts are made to protect against them. Precautions may be as simple as prayer or the wearing of a religious talisman, or they may require more involved solutions. People seriously afflecited by a djinn may seek the help of a chouah, a sort of witch doctor. Using a combination of Koranic scripts, prayer, and white and black magic, the chouaf will drive out the djinn.
It is not uncommon to hear stories about djinns being told in the villages of the Atlas or Sahara.There is a very strong belief in the evil eye and the talisman to avert it, called the Hand of Fatima (or hamza, as it is known in Jewish tradition).The evil eye is the name for a variety of spells cast intentionally or unintentionally by a jealous person. Too much beauty, good fortune, or perfection can make a person susceptible to the evil eye. For instance, an innocent act like complimenting a mother for having a beautiful baby may inadvertently attract the evil eye. As a ward against such bad luck, various talismans and amulets are employed, the most popular and famous being the Hand of Fatima. Fatima was the daughter of Mohammed, and the stylized representation of her hand is often worn around the neck or above doorways for god luck and protection. Other talismans may be a Koranic verse carried in a leather pouch around the neck, or tucked into one’s wallet.
The Essaoui of Morocco are known for their snake handling, and are said to be immune from venom.
Apothecaries and herborists provide traditional curatives for both physical and spiritual ailments. These traditional medicine men prescribe a variety of natural remedies for common problems, while combining natural curatives with magic for some of the more exotic complaints that are presented to them. These practitioners are scattered throughout Morocco and their shops are easily identified by the panoply of spices, minerals, bones, dried lizards, animal skins porcupines, caged falcons and exotic oils used to create myriad incenses, potions, and elixirs. One of the more exciting artifacts in these shops is a small quartz stone called the hejira el-fuq, which is placed in a fire. The tiny stone explodes loudly and the jarring noise is reputed to drive away bad spirits. Visitors should not feel uncomfortable asking shop owners what some of these curious items are, as most are more than happy to explain.
\A practice that is slowly fading from Moroccan traditional life is that of the facial tattoo for women. While not as popular as it once was, there are still some Berber families — mostly in the south — who yet apple simple, geometric tattoos to a woman’s chin, nose, or brow. These tattoos serve a few practical purposes, most notably to identify which family or tribe a woman is from, if she is married, or if she has children. Some tattoos may also help avert bad luck or act as a protective symbol against evil spirits. Being able to identify these characteristics by sight was once very important, as there were strict rules governing the behavior between men, women, and members of different tribes. As views regarding the interaction between men and women change in rural Morocco, however, the perceived need for such physical marks is considerably less. It is likely that this practice of permanent tattooing will totally disappear, though it is likely that temporary tattooing, using henna, will continue to be an important part of celebrations and festivals.
This musician from the Gnaouan Brotherhood whirls his head in revolutions as he plays the traditional castanets.
Besides the exotic, picturesque, colorful, or romantic aspects of the setting, folk dancers form an ensemble of traditions, a world of symbols which are undecipherable today. Take, for example, the awash, a dance that comes from the High Atlas valleys in the Ouarzazate area. In this dance, a circle of women in multicolored robes stands motionless. In the center, men sit around a fire, each of them with a bendir, a circular wooden frame with a hide stretched over it. A piercing cry breaks the silence. It is a short play more than a song. All the drums beat. The song of the men begins, mounting skyward. The women reply, swaying rhythmically and slowly, shoulder to shoulder. The rhythm gets faster and faster until the finale.
All the drums beat. The song of the men begins, mounting skyward. The women reply, swaying rhythmically and slowly, shoulder to shoulder.
African in origin, the Gnaoua dance belongs to musical lore of the religious brotherhood. The tumblers of the Djmaa el Fna in Marrakech have transformed it into a form of entertainment. The instruments are as primitive as ever: large drums and wrought iron castanets form the orchestra. Cowrie shells and glass beads are worn as ornaments that recall the dance’s origin and its magical or religious aspect. Some of the dancers perform leaps worthy of the best acrobats. They manage to jump high in the air without missing a beat of the rhythm. It is a show with great dramatic intensity.
Moroccan folklore is extremely diverse. It expresses and enhances everyday life, of which it is an integral part. Although loyal to its forms of expression for generations, it is being continually enriched by popular imagination, under the influence of new events on the national, tribal, or individual levels. It varies not only from one area to another, but each tribe, nomadic or sedentary, has its own . . . the extent and wealth of which will always surprise you.
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A Recent Article Published on November 07 in Original ArticlesSubmission to the Will of GodIslam in Morocco
In Morocco, religion is a very integral part of daily life, and may appear complicated to Western visitors. During its history, Morocco has been home to numerous ethnic and religious groups that have each contributed to the culture and heritage…
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A Recent Article Published on October 07 in Cuisine ArticlesA Kitchen in Telouet
The town of Telouet, southwest of Morocco’s southern capital of Marrakech, lies perched on the edge of the country’s arid scrublands. Once a strategic outpost between Marrakech and Ouarzazate for purposes both commercial and military, it is now a jumping-off…
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A Recent Article Published on October 07 in Original ArticlesThe Ancient WaysExploring Folklore and Mysticism in Morocco
Moroccan folklore is extremely diverse. It expresses and enhances everyday life, of which it is an integral part.
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Cuisine ArticlesThe Cornerstone of Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine varies incredibly in its ingredients and preparation techniques, owing mostly to its indelible history — and embracement — of the numerous different cultures that visitors and conquerors alike have brought with them to the country. Couscous and tagine recipes…
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Top Five ListsTop 5: Street Foods
Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned, and is home to any number of fine dining establishments. Some of the best food in the country, however, belongs to the realm of street vendors. Here are the 5 foods you must experience straight off…
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A Recent Article Published on September 07 in Original ArticlesLiquid GoldIn Morocco, Riches Really Do Grow on Trees
It is sought after for its delicate flavor, its healing properties, and its rumored cosmetic miracles. Its price is equal only to the ever-growing list of its uses and helpful properties. It is one of Morocco’s most important products, because…
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A Recent Article Published on August 07 in Cuisine ArticlesTwo Cultures, One Cuisine
In Morocco, Jews and Muslims have lived in harmony for hundreds of years, ever since the Spanish Inquisition when both groups were banned from Spain and found refuge across the Strait of Gilbraltor in Morocco. Every city and large town…
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A Recent Article Published on August 07 in Original ArticlesShips of the DesertCamels of Morocco
Camels, sometimes known as the “ships of the desert,” are what many think of when they think of Morocco. The camels found in Morocco are known as Arabian, or Dromedary, camels. The Dromedary camel makes up about ninety percent of…
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A Recent Article Published on August 07 in Top Five ListsTop 5: Spotting Wildlife
Want to catch a glimpse of birds, monkeys, or desert foxes? Our Top 5 Places for Spotting Wildlife in Morocco will give you the advantage!
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If you’ve been to Morocco, but didn’t have couscous, then you haven’t been to Morocco. Not really. As Moroccan as mint tea, Morocco’s official dish can be found all over the Maghreb. While couscous pops up as a grain occasionally…
Two of Morocco’s most popular ingredients, fish and olives, form a perfect marriage in this simple tagine. The star of the dish, however, is the chermoula, an herb and spice blend that’s often paired with fish in Morocco.
The former Portuguese stronghold of Essaouira is popular among visitors and natives alike.
Caravan Adventures
- Bedouin Journey
- Heart of Morocco
- Imperial Cities
- Land of the Moors
- Mountains and Deserts
- Realm of the Berbers
- Southern Caravan
- The Argan Coast
- The Atlantic Forts
- The Grand Moorish Caravan
- The Imperial Cities & Atlantic Forts, 12-Day
- The Imperial Cities and Atlantic Forts, 10-Day
- The Route of Salt and Gold
Rendezvous! Morocco
Djmaa el Fna, the main square of the southern Moroccan city of Marrakech, is known for its . . .
Tramp Imperial Travel offers escorted trips, cultural destination packages and travel advice to people interested in journeying to Morocco. Working with local tourism professionals, we emphasizes the cultural experience of this diverse destination. To ensure the best travel experience, accommodations, restaurants and activities on our programs are arranged with Moroccan providers who are familiar with the needs and interests of our participants. We have handpicked reputable local partners, slept in the accommodations and dined at the restaurants in each location. This knowledge, along with the insider knowledge of our trip leaders, insure our guests a memorable travel experience.
Our goal is to take visitors not just to the places listed in guidebooks, but to places where each travel experience becomes a unique adventure, discovering the people, traditions and natural beauty that makes Morocco one of the world's best loved travel destinations. Discover the Magic of Morocco with Tramp Imperial Travel.
Tramp Imperial Travel 2012 Scheduled Departures
The Tramp Imperial Travel 2012 departure calendar has 20 dates scheduled for 13 tours of Morocco, including 3 culinary tours with Moroccan chef, Yassine Harrak.| TRIP CODE | Tour | Tour Length | Departure Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per traveler, based on double occupancy and represent base price of tour without options. Group pricing may apply only to participants booking together. Some conditions may apply and pricing may be subject to change. For confirmed pricing or detailed estimates please contact by email or phone. | ||||
| TIRA-1186 | The Atlantic Forts | 8-Days/7-Nights | Saturday, July 14 - Saturday, July 21 | $2,906.00 |
| TIRA-0402 | Bedouin Journey | 8-Days/7-Nights | Wednesday, April 11 - Wednesday, April 18 Saturday, August 25 - Saturday, September 01 | $2952.00 |
| TIRA-0404 | Heart of Morocco | 12-Days/11-Nights | Saturday, May 12 - Wednesday, May 23 Tuesday, October 16 - Saturday, October 27 | $3,980.00 |
| TIRA-0406 | Imperial Cities | 8-Days/7-Nights | Wednesday, March 03 - Saturday, March 10 Saturday, July 28 - Saturday, August 04 Saturday, October 06 - Saturday, October 13 | $2,992.00 |
| TIRA-1192 | Imperial Cities & Atlantic Forts | 10-Days/9-Nights | Wednesday, June 27 - Sunday, July 08 | $3,442.00 |
| TIRA-1180 | Land of the Moors | 8-Days/7-Nights | Saturday, May 26 - Saturday, June 02 | $2,964.00 |
| TISP-1204 | A Moorish Table with Yassine Harrak | 8-Days/7-Nights | Saturday, June 16 - Saturday, June 23 | $3,550.00 |
| TIRA-1182 | Mountains & Desert | 10-Days/9-Nights | Tuesday, May 01 - Thursday, May 10 Thursday, November 15 - Saturday, November 24 | $3.586.00 |
| TISP-1206 | Nomad Kitchen with Yassine Harrak | 10-Days/9-Nights | Thursday, September 06 - Saturday, September 15 | $3,955.00 |
| TIRA-1184 | Realm of the Berbers | 8-Days/7-Nights | Saturday, April 21 - Saturday, April 28 | $2,894.00 |
| TISP-1208 | Royal Delights of Morocco with Yassine Harrak | 8-Days/7-Nights | Saturday, August 11 - Saturday, August 08 | $3,550.00 |
| TIRA-1196 | The Route of Salt & Gold | 11-Days/10-Nights | Wednesday, September 19 - Saturday, September 29 | $3,790.00 |
| TIRA-0410 | Southern Caravan | 10-Days/9-Nights | Thursday, March 29 - Saturday, April 07 Tuesday, June 05 - Thursday, June 14 Thursday, November 01 - Saturday, November 10 | $3,423.00 |