Imilchil festival Expedition in Morocco

Imilchil Betrothal Festival

Deep in the heart of Morocco survives a culture with an ancient way of life virtually untouched by the world outside.  Until today, scattered among the peaks of the High Atlas mountains, Berber tribes maintain traditions begun by their ancestors hundred and hundreds of years ago.

The Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa.  They are the herders, nomads, mountain rug weavers of the land and they lead a free-spirited mountain lifestyle – very liberal and democratic compared with their Arab neighbors.  Although the Berbers have been exposed to many organized faiths with Islam being the  last - they have nevertheless kept their pre-Islamic rituals and beliefs – a heritage which can be traced to the Neolithic period in Morocco.

One of the most unique of these rituals is the betrothal ceremony at the Imilchil fair.  High on a verdant plateau sits Imilchil, the pastoral gathering place for the surrounding tribes of the Ait Sokham and Ait Bougemmaz.  They gather at the end of summer, in the early days of September, having spent the spring and the hot days of summer high in the mountain peaks with their flocks.  It is the time to begin the transition to leave the nomadic life behind and settle in for the winter months.  Now is the time to prepare the plots and terraces for the fall plowing.  And now is the time, as it has been for centuries, for the social gatherings to occur.  Now is the time for the fair.

While trade, communication, introductions among families and dispute resolution settled by the wise elders goes on throughout the three days of the Imilchil fair, by far the most unique and magical draw is the betrothal ritual.  For it is here that singles of all ages and youths in particular come to find or be found by a partner.  Men don their Djellabahs (outer hooded robes) and embellish themselves with the most precious silver daggers they own to signal maturity and wealth. The women in turn wear most beautiful handiras (capes) covered with the best embroideries their hands can stitch. They also adorn themselves with resplendent silver jewelry, belts and draping.

The mornings are reserved for browsing and making acquaintances.  The women saunter from grouping to grouping while the men remain stationary – on exhibit as it were.  It is the woman’s prerogative to make the first advance.

When a woman feels an attraction for a man, she approaches him, picks him by the hand, and invites him for a walk.  It is during the walk that she asks all the important inquiries that help her determine this is the man for her.  If her decision is positive, they both walk to the tent where the scribes will announce them husband and wife, and the ceremony begins. Otherwise, she will continue her search for the man of her choice.  Sometime three days are not enough for a woman to find her man and she may wait for the fair next year.

For those who are lucky to find their match and even those who did not, it is equally a time of ultimate joy and celebration of an ancient and sacred way for matchmaking.  Imilchil fair is a unique place in the world and a hidden treasure in Morocco for the respectful traveler with a deep interest for learning about different cultures.
 

Sep 19^th : JFK/Casablanca
Overnight flight to Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc.

Sep 20^th : Casablanca/Rabat
Rabat is an imperial city with a rich history of kingdoms that have swept through it since the tenth century, leaving behind a collage of different architectural styles and a unique legacy. Afternoon sightseeing will highlight the Mellah, the Mohamed V mausoleum, the Oudaya Kasbah and the Andalous gardens. Dinner is at the hotel. 

Sep 21^st : Volubilis/Meknes/Fes
Transfer to Fes via Volubilis, the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa. Lunch is in the interesting city of Meknes. In the afternoon you will arrive to Fes with sightseeing of the Ramparts, the Gates, the Borjs (forts) and the Andalous quarter.  Dinner is at the hotel, followed by an orientation meeting.       

Sep 22^nd :  Fes
Start the historic sites by the mellah, the king's palace and the Bat'ha museum of Moroccan arts. Then, there will be the walking tour of the Medina. This fascinating walled city with its incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops and every conceivable kind of market.  This is an experience of a life time. Lunch is served in a typical Moroccan restaurant. For the afternoon, continue visiting and shopping. Dinner is at the Hotel.

 Sep 23^rd : Fez / Midelt / Imilchil
We will be travelling from Fez to Imilchil via Midelt visiting Berber villages and natural sights across the High Atlas Mountains. We will arrive to Tisi'n'Isly pass in mid-afternoon, where a caravan of mules will take us up Mt Tarrirecht (3km) in the High Atlas to Imilchil where the Festival is taking place. A Caidal tent is pitched beside the Chief of the tribe as an honor for us (the guests), also to enjoy all the ceremonies and the festival activities.  Dinner is with the Berbers around the campfire. (Camping)

Sep 24^th : Imilchil
After breakfast we will take a mild hike to the breath taking plateau des lacs. We shall return to camp for lunch. Afternoon will be devoted to the festival activities among the Berbers. (Camping) Closing Ceremony.

After breakfast, we will take a morning walk in the mountains visiting the Berber nomads in their tents and sipping mint tea with them. Return to Imilchil for lunch. The afternoon is to share the happiness of the newly wed couples in a festive atmosphere with the indigenous Berber in their joyful chants and dances.

Sep 26^th :  Imilchil / Tinghir
Travel across the High Atals breath taking valleys to reach the Gorges of Todra.  The whole afternoon will be devoted to explore the region and its marvelous Kasbahs.  Dinner and accommodations are at Hotel Bougafer.  

Sep 27^th : Tinghir / Marrakesh
Travel in the morning back to Ouarzazate visiting the Dades Valley and continue to Marrakesh across the Tizen=Tichka pass.  Dinner is at the hotel.

Sep 28^th : Marrakech
The historic visit of Marrakech will include the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowers, reflecting the image of a beautiful moorish construction built in 1866 for the dignitaries. See glorious sunsets with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Also, the pool is a functional irrigation system to the surrounding areas. The tour will see several impressive sights: The Koutoubia Minaret (the twin tower of la Giralda in Sevilla, Spain), the Saadian tombs demonstrating Moorish architecture in its perfection. The tombs, consisting of splendid mausoleums built in the sixteenth century, were walled for some time, not to be discovered until 1917.  Other sites include:   the museum of Dar Si Said with the best display of Berber arts and crafts to be found; the remains of the Badii Palace, a historical monument chosen to host the annual National Festival of Popular Art, beginning the second Friday in June. The Bahia Palace still hosts dignitaries in the heart of the Mellah (Jewish quarter) today. Lunch is at the hotel then a walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech in the afternoon.  Conclude the day with a sunset drink overlooking the exciting Jamaa El Fna Square. Dinner is at the Hotel.

Sep 30^th :  Marrakesh
Day at leisure, relax and reflect or go to the colorful souks of Marrakesh.   Farewell dinner at a Shehraman  Restaurant 

Oct 1^st : Marrakech / Casablanca / New York
Early morning transfer to Marrakesh Airport to connect with the transatlantic flight to NY/JFK from Casablanca with a memorable trip of a life time.   

Land transportation in Land Rovers.
Fees of escort, museums and guides.
Dinners outside the hotels.
Full Board during the festival.

Cities and Hotels Used
Rabat, 1 night, Hotel Chellah 4*
Fes, 2 nights. Hotel Fez Inn 3*
Tinghir, 1 night. Hotel Kasbah Lamrani 4*
Imilchil, 3 nights, camping
Marrakesh, 3 nights. Andalous 4*

Cost per person based on double occupancy:                        $2,685.00

Single supplement:                                                                  $   475.00

Contact us for many other festivals and special events in Morocco

Tel:(212) 535-61-64-46 • Fax: (212) 535-61-64-46 • E-mail: contact@moroccodiscoveries.com
32 rue tantan lot al wafae Rte de Sefrou - fes – Morocco