The Engagement Festival - Imilchil

“We stop to ask directions in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Two young Berber women wear vibrant blue scarves that show only beautiful eyes outlined in kohl. Proud, tall, shy, they approach the window of our SUV. Instead of speaking their native Tamazight, the women speak Arabic with Sarhan, my handsome young interpreter from Tangier. The women offer a great deal more information than we ask for. One reports that her marriage lasted a month, the other's, a year. Both sought divorce quickly “before there were children,” because their husbands beat them. They initiated their separations, saying, “I want nothing from you; keep the gifts. I want a divorce.” Now, enough time has passed that both women hope to find another husband.  Eying Sarhan flirtatiously, one says, “Will you marry me? In fact, you could have two of us!” Sarhan laughs and says thanks, he already has a wife. “

This is an excerpt from the book Celebrating Women.Paola Gianturco. i was her interpreter guide driver escort.

Of all festivals the one in Imilchil every September has become the most famous around the world. This small mountain village is by itself nothing spectacular compared to other villages in the region, but the festival is a time of colourful clothes, flirting and dance. During the festival young girls and boys from many different villages are allowed to meet, with the purpose of marriage. You will be fascinated by this 10-days tour!

Day 1: Casablanca / Rabat

Morning arrival and assistance by our staff at Mohammed V Airport. Sightseeing tour of Casablanca. "Principal city in Morocco and capital in all but administration" Casablanca is now the largest port of the Maghreb - busier even than Marseille, the city on which it was modeled by the French. including visits to the central market, the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and the Hassan II Mosque. Sea food lunch at the Corniche in Ain Diab (coast line). Afternoon departure to Rabat, the capital of the nation. This city in many ways is what you would expect: elegant in its spacious European in self conscious in Its very civilized modern ways. Our visit begins in the Medina with the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Visit the venerated Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower, the Mosque, and the ramparts and walls of the Mechouar surrounding the Royal Palace. Dinner and over night at the hotel.

Day 2: Rabat/ Volubilis/ Meknes/ Fes

Transfer to Fes via Volubilis, the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa. Lunch in the interesting city of Meknes. Afternoon arrival to Fes with sightseeing of the Ramparts, the Gates, the Borjs (forts) and the Andalous part. Dinner is at the hotel, orientation meeting to follow.

Day 3: Fes

After breakfast, full-day tour of Fez, The most ancient of the imperial capitals, and the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. FES is unique. It is a place that stimulates your senses- with haunting and beautiful sounds, Infinite visual details, and unfiltered odors - and it seems to exist suspended in time somewhere between the Middle Ages and the modern times. Besides its electricity it owes absolutely nothing to the west. As a spectacle, this is an entirely satisfying experience. Visit in the morning, optional lunch at the Medina and shopping in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 4: Fes/ Azrou/ Ksiba

We will be traveling from Fes to Ksibah visiting the Middle Atlas Berber villages and natural sights. We will arrive to Tisi'n'Isly pass in mid-afternoon, a caravan of mules will take us up MtTarrirecht (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 round a campfire. (Camping)

Day 5: 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)

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. Depart to Marrakech, dinner and over night at the hotel in Marrakech.

Day 7 : Marrakech

After breakfast, full-day tour of Marrakech. 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 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. Hassan's complimentary dinner at "Chez Ali" under Berber tents with fantasia show. Over night at the hotel.

Day 8: Marrakech / Essaouira:

Departure to Essaouira (Mogador), a part from the immediate impact of sea air and the friendly animation of the town, the predominant images of Essaouira are of the Atlantic - of the rugged coast and offshore islands, the vast expense of empty sands trailing back along the promontory to the south, and the almost gothic scenery of the eighteen century fortifications. Lunch at Chalet de la Mer. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 9: Essaouira / El Jadida / Casablanca:

After breakfast departure to Casablanca via El Jadida / stop at El Oualidia. Relay and seafood lunch. Departure along the coastline to El Jadida - visit of the citadel. vestige of the Portuguese occupation during the 11th century. Continuation to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 10: Casablanca / Airport Mohamed V:

Morning departure to Mohammed V Airport with a memorable trip of a life time.