Tan-Tan:The 19th edition of the Tan-Tan Moussem kicked off in the Kingdom of Morocco with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participating prominently in the festival. Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and organized by the Almouggar Foundation, the event will continue until November 3.
According to Wam, the UAE pavilion, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with various Emirati heritage organizations, attracted numerous visitors eager to explore Emirati cultural traditions through diverse displays and activities on the opening day.
The pavilion highlights the richness of Emirati heritage, featuring sections on intangible cultural heritage shared by the UAE and Morocco, and exhibits showcasing the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Additional sections focus on maritime heritage, traditional clothing, and handicrafts, complemented by an Emirati majlis that reflects the nation's hospitality traditions.
Visitors are treated to Arabic coffee, Moroccan mint tea, traditional cuisine, and heritage games while browsing stalls with traditional products, foods, and handcrafted items. Live demonstrations and workshops on traditional skills, organized in collaboration with the General Women's Union, further enrich the experience, alongside traditional Emirati cuisine and folk performances.
The UAE's participation includes heritage competitions such as camel racing, camel beauty contests, and the 'Mahaleb' camel milking competition, organized with the Emirates Camel Racing Federation. Other activities feature Tbourida (Moroccan Fantasia), Moroccan mint tea preparation, traditional cooking, heritage games, fishing, and a competition for the best traditional tent display, alongside artistic performances and poetry evenings celebrating Nabati poetry.
Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Heritage Awareness and Knowledge Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, awarded winners of competitions in camel milking, traditional cooking featuring aseeda, and children's Moroccan mint tea preparation. These contests aim to celebrate and preserve traditional heritage practices.
The UAE's consistent participation in the Tan-Tan Moussem since 2014 underscores its commitment to strengthening ties between heritage institutions, promoting the exchange of knowledge, and highlighting shared customs and traditions that underscore the historical and cultural bonds between the UAE and Morocco.