Culture

Situated at the northwestern tip of Africa and only nine miles away from Europe, Morocco has been the gateway to a number of civilizations. The combination of African, Arabian, European and Islamic cultures thus paved the way for a multicultural legacy, establishing Morocco as one of the most fascinating countries of the world in terms of its cultural practices. Considered to be one of the most progressive countries in the Muslim world, Morocco has been a place that has continuously fascinated scholars and travelers.

Some of the basic cultural traits of the country lie in the social behavior of the locals. Things such as taking off shoes before entering a house or carrying small gifts, sugar or pastries for the host, form integral part of the Moroccan culture. The real and most traditional cuisine of Morocco can be tasted if invited for a meal by a Moroccan to his home. Mosques are considered to be extremely holy places, denying visit to any outsiders other than the Muslims.

A. Music

The music of Morocco is influenced by the Arabs and Berbers including some other minorities. Although predominantly Arabian, Moroccan music also has characteristics of Andalusian and Chaabi bands including trance music, originating from the historical Muslim music.

The Andalusian classical music evolved under the Moors in Cordoba and is now found all through North Africa. The Berber music comes in three varieties of folk, ritual and professional forms. Drums and flutes are the instruments used in this form of music, which is performed collectively. Ritual music celebrates various events including marriage. It is also used as a defense against the evil spirits. The Chaabi consists of the different forms descending from the Moroccan folk music and finishes off with a typical ‘leseb', a rhythmic section accompanied by clapping.

Another common form of music practiced in Morocco is the Sufi music celebrating the spiritual tradition and used as an attempt to achieve a state of trance.

Some of the other popular varieties of Moroccan music are Ra'i, Gharnati, Malhun and Gnawa.

B. Language

The official language of Morocco is Arabic. Around three-quarters of the total population speak Arabic. However, some of the Berber dialects can still be heard in the rural areas although with a less frequency. The other common language in Morocco is French, which is also considered as the second language by the educated urban sections. Residents of cities such as Tangier, Larache and Tetuan have Spanish as their second language. Although the Berber languages were used as a first language all through Morocco in the early 1990s, they have now lost their importance.

C. Religious Practices

The predominant religion in Morocco is Islam (Sunni variant). The French descendants from the colonial periods and the immigrants practice Christianity. A part of the population, residing in Marrakech and Casablanca also practices Judaism. A large portion of the Moroccan population considers themselves as Arabs, although they actually belong to the Berber origin, who adopted the culture and language of the Arabs.

D. Major Events

Ramadan

God revealed the truths to Mohammed on the ninth month, according to the Muslim calendar, which is written in the Holy Koran. The Ramadan celebrates this occasion and according to one of Islam's ‘five pillars' all Muslims observe fast during the daytime. An absolute restraint from drinks, food, entertainment, sex and tobacco between sunrise and sunset is maintained during this time. A bowl of ‘Harira' (rich, traditional soup) ends the daily fast followed by honey smothered and deep fried pasties known as shebbakiyah.

Moulay Idriss (Meknes region)

Held all through September, the festival remembers Idriss I, the founder of the first Arab dynasty in Morocco.

Erfoud: Date festival in October

The date festival is celebrated during the fortnight before the birthday of the prophet, Mouloud with processions in Asni (Marrakesh Region), Sale (near Rabat) and Meknes.

Asilah

The occasion celebrates a grand musical festival with classical, pop and folk music. The Asilah is held for one month starting from the last week of July.

E. Etiquette / Do's and Don'ts

Dos

- Exchange greetings through handshakes. It is customary form of exchanging greetings.

- Eat food with the fingers of your right hand.

- Carry appropriate clothing to beat the heat of Moroccan summer.

Don'ts

- Do not drink tap water. Rather opt for bottled water.

- Visitors suffering from rheumatism, sinus, asthma and liver troubles are advised not to visit the Atlantic coast. The climate of this coast is not favorable for such patients.