EMBRACING THE MOROCCAN CULTURE THROUGH ITS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Beyond the undeniable charm of Morocco's natural landscapes, architecture, cities, and towns, there is something that makes the country unique: its people. The beauty of travel lies in getting to know the people that shape a culture. No travel experience is complete without delving into the destination's culture and bonding with local communities meaningfully.
The beauty of traveling throughout Morocco consists in getting to know the people that shape the country's culture.
A road trip throughout Morocco offers travelers the possibility of immersing themselves in a culture full of contrasts. Traditional values play a significant part in the country's identity and coexist with modern ideals. Moroccan society is remarkable for its rich cultural diversity.
Moroccans are friendly, generous, loyal, welcoming, and keen to share their culture and personal beliefs when they perceive a deep appreciation for their land. They approach life with an open mind and heart. Making visitors feel a sense of familiarity is one of their cultural strengths.
Berber is one of the oldest cultures in North Africa. Meeting Berber people and learning more about their way of life and heritage will make it easier for travelers to understand and appreciate Moroccan culture and its exciting history. Berber life philosophy conveys a sense of freedom and calm that is hard to find in Western cultures nowadays.
Although customs within each Berber community vary across regions, art in its different forms is a distinctive characteristic of Berber folklore. Music and dance are considered ancient traditions and are very popular at the lively Berber festivals and celebrations, where locals enjoy playing instruments such as drums and flutes in their Berber attires.
Souffian is a young Berber who works as a tourist guide and private driver for travelers throughout Morocco. He is 33 years old and enthusiastic about showing his land to visitors on personalized road trips. Proud of being Berber and his culture, he gladly talks about the Berber language Tamazight and its origins. Despite having a unique alphabet and writing system, Berber is mainly spoken by Indigenous communities. Souffian is passionate about Berber and Spanish music and sports like climbing.
Hassan, at 53 years old, is a Berber who has spent almost his entire life guiding travelers over the Sahara desert when heading to nomad-style camps for an overnight stay. He offers an outstanding experience in the Merzouga desert for adventurers to revel in a memorable travel experience. Watching the breathtaking desert sunset from an exceptional spot in the Erg Chebbi dunes is one of the most expected moments of the journey. Helping visitors document their trip with his self-taught photography skills is one of his favorite things, not as part of his duties but as a way to genuinely connect with people.
Asking locals for directions can result in an unparalleled encounter in the blink of an eye. Ending up sharing the traditional Moroccan mint tea, seen as a symbol of friendship and hospitality, with a nomadic family in a remote place is one of the most unique experiences that can happen to a traveler.
Morocco has a renowned historical tradition of craftsmanship. Artisans create unique arts and crafts using techniques handed over from generation to generation, modernizing them over the years. There is nothing more mesmerizing than watching a skilled artisan work. Morocco is the land of artisanship, and interested visitors will be delighted to learn about their ancestral legacy.
Rich in several natural resources, southwestern Morocco is where argan trees grow and are primitively from. Berber women-run cooperatives in charge of extracting organic argan oil have expanded in southern Morocco in recent decades. Belonging to argan oil cooperatives has a beneficial impact on their daily life. Both older and younger women in rural areas are more empowered and have seen their opportunities grow by building community with other women.
Travelers can view the time-honored manual process of obtaining pure argan oil for cosmetics and culinary use. Investing in fair-trade argan oil from trustworthy women-run cooperatives means contributing to the development of their business and their financial independence.
From rural to urban areas, experiencing Morocco like a local through its native communities is one of the most enriching ways of discovering the country, its customs, and people's way of life. A road trip through Morocco invites conscious travelers to slow down, let go, and connect with the environment and their souls.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL
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