Located in North Africa, Morocco is a culturally rich country offering a variety of practices that leave no one indifferent. Those who have already attended will tell you that the Tbourida is one of them.
Still called Fantasia, the Moroccan Tbourida is a traditional and popular Moroccan practice which constitutes various traditional equestrian shows simulating military assaults practiced in the Maghreb, in the 15th century. During the ceremony, the riders, usually ten in number and dressed in traditional outfits of their respective tribe (djellabas), embark on a speed race over a 200-meter course at the kick-off given by the commander of troop, the M’qaddem. The riders set off at a gallop in a straight line and at the same speed, unloading their weapons and shouting while performing the various turns. At a specific point in the race, they will fire their old muskets in unison, in a synchronized motion.
Passed down from generation to generation, and has been for centuries, the Tbourida aims to test the speed, endurance, grace, discipline but also the maneuverability of Moroccan riders and their horses. The practice of Tbourida remains very much alive in Morocco for its cultural aspect commemorating historical attacks in times of war,
once feared and extremely courageous horsemen from Morocco. It is generally celebrated during cultural and / or religious holidays (moussem). It symbolizes the sacred relationship between man and horse while bringing together three symbols:
The rider: represents triumph and glory
The horse: represents independence and glory
The rifle: maintains independence through its fire
Its organization and development are the responsibility of the Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports. Each year, nearly 1,000 troops called Sorbas, numbering nearly 15,000 horses, are engaged in this practice which is also present in Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, Niger and Mauritania. Another name for the practice is “gunpowder” derived from the Arabic name baroud.
