Morocco: Beni Mellal - Hikes, Pistes, and Cascades

With a rising population of near 60,000 inhabitants, Beni Mellal en route to Marrakech is a newfound hotspot for travelers and tourists to Morocco. If you are able to make it on a Tuesday, then you might hit a decent souk. Here, you can buy handcrafted woolen Berber blankets, olives that grow plentiful on the opposite valley, and throughout the summer enjoy the oranges that supply the orange juice vendors their supplies in Djema El Fna square each night.

Sefrou, Morocco – Overshadowed, Not Outdone

Morocco has always been a place of acceptance. And, even though the majority of inhabitants are Muslim, Morocco’s rich religious history and modern heritage have close ties with the Christian and Jewish faiths. If you want to truly experience the vast history and culture of Morocco, then plan some routes on your voyage that will take you off of the beaten path. Venture to see different, multi-cultural Morocco often overshadowed by the main tourist venues.

Sidi Ifni, Morocco – Spanish Charm & Southern Skies

Along Morocco’s southern coast, past the European throngs that fill Agadir is calm, quiet, and secluded Sidi Ifni. Driving along the coastal highway, you will definitely not want to skip Tiznit. But if you have only got a few days to travel to the Souss region of Morocco, then pull yourself away from the modernity of Agadir in order to spend at least two days exploring the Sidi Ifni area.

Taroudant, Morocco – Attractive Southern Charm

Depicted as the true Souss Valley should, Taroudant in Morocco lies on the journey between Agadir and Taliouine. Being one of the most fertile regions in the south, with a river that runs all year long, leaders and sultans have used it throughout history as a base from which they would attempt to take over the stronghold of Marrakesh. With the modernization from historical construction to the more recent craze of cinder-block houses, the ancient beauty that Taroudant once held remains a spark in the traveler’s imagination.

Religious ceremonies in Morocco - Part 2

This is Part 2 of 2 of "Religious Ceremonies in Morocco". Click here to read Part 1.

The third religious event is the end of Ramadan: Eid El Fitr. This ceremony, as its name indicates, celebrates the breaking of the fast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In Morocco, Eid El Fitr is celebrated by getting up early in the morning. Men go to the mosque for the prayers of that day. As for women, they prepare the special breakfast for Eid El Fitr which is constituted of typical Moroccan pancakes such as Baghrir and Melwi. After the prayers, the family gathers around the table to indulge in a copious breakfast. It is also a time when families visit each other and chat around cookies and mint tea. Children are dressed in new clothes and adults in traditional outfits.

Religious ceremonies in Morocco - Part 1

Morocco is predominantly Muslim and has five main religious ceremonies that Moroccans treasure and celebrate in different ways in a joyful atmosphere reigned by religion and traditions.

Tetouan, Morocco – of the Rif and Mediterranean Sea

With a brace as strong as the Rif Mountains at its back, Tetouan stands as a shining relic of the beauty of Northern Morocco as it looks over the Mediterranean Sea. When the Berbers in between the second and third centuries BC founded the city, the first inhabitants would have never guessed how popular, or how varying their history would become.

Weddings in Morocco: A Fusion of Rituals

Marriage in Morocco is closely connected to ancestral traditions and customs as well as religion. It can be celebrated for more than one day and most of the practices evolve around the beauty of the bride and the unity of the family of the two spouses.