The Moussem of Moulay Abdellah Amghar is one of Morocco’s largest and most traditional annual gatherings. It is held in El Jadida—or more precisely, in the nearby village of Moulay Abdellah Amghar—each year, usually in late August ,this moussem is primarily a religious and cultural festival honoring the local Sufi saint Moulay Abdellah Amghar. It attracts thousands of visitors, including pilgrims, tribal groups, and tourists, who come to participate in spiritual ceremonies and pay their respects.
The highlight of the event is the spectacular fantasia—a traditional horseback show in which rows of riders, dressed in ceremonial attire, charge in unison and fire old rifles simultaneously, creating a dramatic and powerful display of heritage and horsemanship. Alongside the fantasia, the moussem features lively souks (markets), traditional tents serving mint tea and meals, folk music, dance performances, and communal gatherings that reinforce social and tribal ties. It offers a vivid and authentic experience of Moroccan spiritual life, rural tradition, and celebratory culture.
At the heart of the Moussem, the large traditional souk becomes a vibrant gallery showcasing the region’s most authentic products: Berber weaving, pottery, jewelry, musical instruments, and local produce. It’s not a typical trade fair; it’s a space dedicated to celebrating traditional skills, where each object tells a story of origin, technique, and family.
For many artisans, exhibiting at the Moussem is a rare opportunity: a chance to showcase their skills to a national and international audience, to sell directly without intermediaries, and to forge direct business relationships. The Moussem thus becomes a unique marketplace, strengthening rural micro-economies while promoting products rooted in local culture.
This craftsmanship should not be seen merely as decorative or folkloric: it is a driver of sustainable development, a pillar of the social economy, and a central element of the region’s brand image. By investing in these skills, the region asserts a strong, creative, and authentic identity.
