It's raining in Morocco

For several days, it rained over Morocco, and specially South-East. Roads were blocked between Ouarzazate and Zagora, Oarzazate and the Roses Valley, Erfoud and Er-Rachidia, with rising rivers and roads under water.

Moroccan people were happy. Rain was coming at ploughing time, it's a good thing. Palm trees are going to grow, and oasis will be greener.

Tours were disturbed, sometimes tourists were stucked somewhere for a night or two.

Sun came bck, mud dried. There were no dangerous high waters, like in Merzouga this Spring, or in Ourika valley. Just some water, good the the harvests and the reserves.

Tinjedad palm grove under water
(source photo : www.yafelman.com)

In Mezgarne, the small dried river one scarcely noticed when arriving the Oasis was full of water, mint, beans and acras growing in our garden flourished....

In Morocco, who arrives with water brings luck !

Dates festival in Erfoud, a morrocan story

Well, if you remember, we called several times the Tourism Office in Er-rachidia, to get the exact date. Each time that was the same answer "the date will be known by 15th of September". On the 15th, I try to call, but does not have a lot of time, because I'm taking my plane.

And when i call this morning, I learn that the festival happened this very week-end, on 15th and 16th of September.

I'm quite upset, but what can we do ? That's how it is here, that was written, Mektoub....

With all his excuses, the responsible person in the Tourisme Office warns me "the social aspects of the moussem, which is now an 'International Date fair' has been abandonned to better promote its commercial goals".
In other words, no more tradition, no more camel race... just stands and money ... no regret, except to have learned it so late.

Date of dates' festival in Erfoud

After callling Errachidia Tourism office, this date will be known only mid-september.

.. but the moussem seems to have changed a lot ! According to the nice lady on the phone, "it is not at all the same as before. Now it's an International Dates Fair

What about the camel's race ?

After Imilchil moussem, advanced to end of August, and transformed into a festival of traditionnal music, Erfoud... Morocco goes into industrial tourism, and transforms its traditionnal avents into marketable products.

What a pity !

Of course, as soon as the date is known, we'll post it here !

End of the sotry is here.... the moussem is no more an traditionnal moussem, and took place on the 15th of September