Essaouira is a place of enchantment. Residing inside the boundaries of a fortified wall, Essaouira is situated on the Atlantic Coastline, vibrant and rich in historical treasures. The streets are filled with eclectic individuals: from rugged fishermen to local residents to foreign travelers bring a melange of scenes portrayed aesthetically by musicians, artists and merchants showcasing the talents and trinkets of a time-stopped locale.
Essaouira Culture
At the heart of culture, tradition and craftsmanship in Morocco stands the village of Essaouria. Historical attributes that made the village a vibrant part of the Moroccan region can still be found standing tall and fortified today. Essaouira has all but perfected the art of preserving the past while looking ahead to the future.
Walk around the energetic village and sights of historical architecture standing alongside modernized designs that highlight twentieth century living sums Essaouira’s architecture. Traditional mosques sit on the same street as modern synagogues. Other parts of the village highlight run-down buildings that have been renovated and recreated utilizing authentic Moroccan tile work and wood crafting. This is the best display of how effectively Essaouria blends history with present day reconstruction.
The cultural art of pottery in Essaouria brings raw materials to life through creations designed with pulsating colors from the Orient. A notable cultural aspect attributed to this village is wood working additionally. Craftsman ventured to Agadir for inspiration where the course of study focused on Thuya. Today woodworking pieces created in Essaouria showcase geometric patterns and Arabic inspiration. Woodworking creations include tables, chests and other pieces of furniture. Many individuals travel from all corners of the globe for a chance at purchasing a furniture item from an Essaouria wood craftsman.
Cultural pieces in Essaouria do not stop at furniture. Skilled craftsmen hone their craft and their skill towards beautiful creations such as bracelets and necklaces that are made famous by gold smith artists. Carpentry is a sought after cultural portion of Moroccan life. Fine silks and wools are utilized to create beautiful carpets that are a must have staple in virtually every home in Morocco and abroad. More beautiful handmade creations come in the form of tile work creations. These art pieces can be found in murals and mosques located around the village. There’s so much art in everything that makes up Morocco. Amazing.
Essaouira Music
One of the most celebrated events in Essaouira is the Gnaoua Festival. This grand affair pays homage to the Gnaouas people. This celebrated group combines music and history to tell a story that is unlike anything one has ever heard. The festival typically takes place during the last week of June each year. Gnaoua music showcases a mixture of African and Arab-Muslim inspiration to create a world renowned sound that is at the heart of this festival each year.
Music in Essaouira is an energetic mixture of sounds that stands at the heart of Moroccan culture. Inspiration comes from Muwashshah, Zajal and Kharia. Dance is a vital component of the musical culture in the village too. Berber heritage influences mixes with heritages of Greco-Roman, Jewish, Arabic and African to produce popular dances of folklore. Essaouira festivals feature music and dance at the heart of every gathering. Local residents take to the streets in celebratory rhythm and movements in honor of past history and modern life.
Essaouira Traditions
Rich Argan Oil takes root in a small tree that can only be found in the area outside Essaouira. The uses of this oil include nutritional, medical and cosmetic purposes. An Argan tree grows in the South-West portion of Morocco, making Essaouria Morocco a home for this rich tree.
Culinary creations often feature the oils that nuts from the Argan tree produces. These oils are featured in culinary cookies, cakes and pastries. Breakfast tables across Morocco enjoy toasting bread with Argan nut oil and honey. Remaining nut oil is utilized in feeding livestock. The oil is extracted from the excremented feces of the goats who climb high in the tree to feed on the rich nuts. The “droppings” are collected for the oils. One of the best place to buy the oils is through Earth Cafe, in Marrakech.
A longstanding Moroccan tradition comes in the expression of friendship. Foreign travelers on holiday to Essaouria may encounter an offer of mint tea from a residents. This is how hospitality is shown. Traditional roots in this tea drink are simple yet ceremonial at the same time. Mint tea is how Essaouria welcomes newcomers to an old table where conversation and friendship is the order of the day.
One of the most celebrated traditions in Essaouria is the cuisine. Morocco holiday travelers to Morocco will be treated to a showcase of color, style and flair with each meal. Culinary aspects are considered to be a traditional time for enjoying the company of family and friends over a delicious meal that heightens the senses.
Essaouira offers a variety of sights and sounds to make foreign travelers feel at home and local residents never want to leave. As word spreads on all the great aspects to this energetic village, tourism is bound to soar. Match this with convenient flights from almost all major airports on the globe and Essaouira offers culture and tradition evident in musical selections, dance ensembles and culinary delights. It is truly a place worth a Morocco family tour visit.
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by Sam Mitchell, Staff, Writer & Morocco Evangelist
