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Morocco Imilchil Wedding Festival : The Legend

There once were two young people who fell deeply in love in Morocco. Unfortunately, they were from enemy tribes. Their families wouldn't allow them to marry. Out of grief, they wept bitterly. They continued their crying day and night until they created two lakes made of their tears. Their despair was so great, they committed suicide by drowning in those two lakes. The Imilchil fiances moussem and festival has been created to pay homage to those two young lovers. Henceforth, all the families granted total freedom to their children to marry whomever they chose. The engagement festivities take place every September, this years 1999 festival will be in August in the largest souk in Morocco in the Ait Hddidou Tribe. The lakes are called "Isli", meaning bridegroom and "Tislit" meaning bride. The neighboring tribes gather together near these lakes, and the women choose their husbands. There is great feasting after the solemn and respectful ceremony.

For the young men and girls of the area, it is a tradition to get married on the day of the Moussem in ancient times, a holy man used to bless the betrothed at Agdoul, and legend says they were always happy. The fiance festival is staged on the site of the tomb of the marabout, who is venerated in the high atlas mountains. It is a time for some 25, 000 people from the mountains to assemble under tents for three days with their flocks, their horses and camels. It is an occasion for the young girls to wear their finery, their sumptuous silver jewelry, and to dance for hours under the sun and under the stars.

Imilchil festival program and information is subject to change.
Please check for more information.

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Last updated on October 20^th2002