An Argentine newspaper highlights the rich heritage of the art of Tbourida in Morocco
The Argentine newspaper “La Nación” reported yesterday that Tbourida, an equestrian art that blends tradition, spirituality, and military heritage, is one of the most prominent folkloric arts in Morocco.
The writer, Enrique Villegas, noted in an article titled “Tbourida, the equestrian art that ignites the spirit of Morocco,” that “the sounds of gunfire in the sky of Morocco do not signal war, but the beginning of the Tbourida celebration, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.”
The journalist stated that this ancient art is present in all seasons and most festivals held in cities and villages across the kingdom, explaining that the horse is “the main hero of Tbourida, occupying a central place imbued with profound symbolic meanings in Islam. Its nobility and mention in the Quran grant it a spiritual and historical dimension.”
The writer continued, saying that “Tbourida reenacts an ancient battle tactic, where groups of horsemen swiftly launch into a simulation of an attack, then fire shots into the air simultaneously, before retreating with meticulous precision.”
He clarified that this maneuver was once used for military purposes but has transformed into an honorary display, pointing out that the artist Eugène Delacroix immortalized it in the nineteenth century.
Today, according to the newspaper, this art reflects “the competition between teams known as ‘sarbats,’ vying for harmony, elegance, and grandeur.”
Regarding the sequence of the display, the newspaper wrote, “In a vast sandy arena, the horses race at high speed for hundreds of meters, driven by the enthusiasm of their riders. Each group comprises between 15 and 25 participants, arranged in odd numbers with the leader in the center. The riders don caftans, turbans, and slippers, while their horses are adorned with decorative saddles.”
The climax of the performance is marked by the “gunpowder shot,” which is the final shot fired into the sky, producing a deafening explosion that is instantly met with cheers and applause from the audience. It is a moment of collective ecstasy, also known as “fantasia,” representing more than just a performance; it affirms identity and pride, rekindling the flame of Moroccan spirit with each display.
The fifteen accompanying photographs in “La Nación” capture the precise moment of the gunfire, particularly portraying the determined and focused expressions of the horsemen, alongside the enthusiasm of the galloping horses, and the discipline and skill essential for achieving perfection in this communal “gunpowder” spectacle.
Other images highlight the inclusive and intergenerational nature of Tbourida, featuring female riders in red and white who confidently mount their horses and participate in the same events as their male counterparts. Their proud and determined presence showcases the evolution of this ancient tradition, which blends heritage with contemporary aspirations.
The final moment of the “gunpowder shot” embodies a wave of sound followed by cheers from the crowd, reflecting a moment of connection where identity, pride, and loyalty intertwine, reaffirming Tbourida’s status as one of the vibrant pillars of Moroccan heritage.
