The cultural and artistic heritage of the country is incredibly rich and recognized far beyond its borders. The fruit of ancestors’ know-how and carefully preserved traditions throughout centuries, Morocco’s arts and crafts constitute the privileged language of its history. Constant and particular attention has therefore been paid to the conservation of this heritage, to its continuity and the develiopment of the artistic talents.
Gastronomy
Moroccois a land of tradition where a century-old cooking art reigns, the heritage of a mix of Phoenician-Berber-Arab-Moslem influenced cultures. The Berbers passed on to a sense of simple and rustic dishes, whereas the Arabs brought the refinement of the East and the flavor of distant spices. It inherited From Syria’s Umayyads pastries with honey, almonds and orange blossoms, From Andalusians the taste of dishes combining sweet and salty ingredients, as in the famous “Pastilla”. Finally, mint tea, the national drink par excellence, is a tradition which goes back to the XVIIIth century when the cargoes of British tea arrived in the Moroccan ports.
Crafts
Being one of the first countries in the world to witness the birth of a very varied stone industry, Morocco, thanks to its past, millennium traditions and the diversity of its population and culture, has been able forge this wealth and shape it in extremely diversified craft products. Leather and carpets (weaved or knotted), traditional costumes, jewels, pottery, ceramic, engraved wood, chiseled Zellige, sculptured plaster, wrought iron and copper work all bear testimony to the cultural wealth of the kingdom’s different regions.
Morocco is a sun and leisure country. The country abounds in tourist potentials, which makes visitors practice their leisure activities in the most agreeable conditions. It is an admirable country, both by its beauty and the varied leisure activities it offers.
Sea resorts
With about 3500 kilometers of Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, as well as its exceptional sunshine all year round and the variety of its bathing waters, Morocco has naturally developed an important bathing offer.
Cultural tourism
The imperial cities are obviously inescapable for those who want to know the landmarks of the Moroccan history (Fes, Meknès, Marrakesh and Rabat). In the North of the country, one can follow the tracks of the mystic Soufis through Zaouias (a small white building with a dome used as a grave of a saint) and, why not, learn about this particular philosophy which combines meditation and religion.
Celebrations and festivals
In Morocco, every region has its own festivals and Moussems. The most famous ones are the Festival of Sacred Music in Fes, the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, the Jazz festival in Tangier and the Mawazine festival of World Music in Rabat.
Sports