When I began my own exploration of Moroccan cooking some 18 years ago, my Moroccan in-laws and friends convinced me that no Moroccan cookbook in English could possibly be of use to me. Proper Moroccan cooking, they assured me, was learned by watching. And so that’s what I did for many years, until I finally began collecting Moroccan cookbooks as part of my work for About.com.
The first book I acquired, Paula Wolfert’s Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco (1973), was an epiphany for me. Not only was I genuinely surprised that good, authentic Moroccan recipes could indeed be found in print, but I was fascinated that Paula’s anecdotal accounts of life in Morocco rang true to some of my own experiences in Morocco some 40 years later. When I moved beyond the stories, there was a wealth of information to digest – so much, in fact, that I keep my now-worn copy of Couscous and Other Good Food on my desk and use it as a reference book.
So it was with much anticipation that I waited for the release of Paula Wolfert’s brand new The Food of Morocco. When my review copy finally arrived by courier, I immediately set about reading it.
There is much to like, even upon initial inspection. Beautifully designed, the book contains 500-plus pages of appealing layout that invites both page-turning and page-lingering. Stunning color photographs by Quentin Bacon – almost every spread has them – are works of art that capture the very essence of Moroccan culture and cuisine. As a food writer close to the subject matter, I was especially drawn to the food styling; the pictures show Moroccan food as it really is served in so many Moroccan homes – sometimes on slightly chipped plates, other times alongside imperfect teapots and cutlery, and more often than not with sauce not wiped perfectly clean along the edges of a much-used serving vessel. This is not a five-star restaurant’s lavish take on an ever-evolving cuisine, but an authentic representation of what Moroccan food means to the people who eat it regularly.
Although The Food of Morocco is pretty enough to leave on your coffee table, you’ll find countless reasons to bring it into your kitchen. The heart of any cookbook is the recipe collection, and Paula has provided hundreds of them. They run the gamut from comfort food like Berber Fava Bean Puree (p. 436) and White Beans with Saffron and Meat Confit (p.425) to more refined dishes such as a modern Seafood, Spinach and Noodle Bastila (p. 142). In between, entire sections are devoted to not only predictable favorites such as couscous, tagines and flatbreads, but also to cooking techniques, cooking equipment and essential spices and pantry items. Sidebars and intros provide adequate space for Paula to weave in culinary tales, divulge regional and historical contexts, and share poignant quotes from the literary giants who helped shape her own Moroccan experiences. All the while, she dishes out ample cooking advice while graciously acknowledging sources.
For those already intimate with Moroccan cuisine, there are plenty of dishes to court your palate or inspire a sidestep from your usual repertoire, such as Fish Smothered with Onion Jam (p. 264), Steamed Calamari with Preserved Lemon and Argan Oil (p. 262) and Chicken with Eggplant-Tomato Jam (p. 290). And, for kindred spirits keen on culinary perfection, Paula offers suggestions for elevating flavor even in simple, everyday dishes. In her Roasted Beet Salad with Cinnamon Recipe (p.74), for example, she promotes slow roasting the root vegetable (she goes so far as to suggest a dry roast in a Chinese sand pot) in order to draw out an intense sweetness that boiling simply can’t achieve. It’s this attention to detail, perhaps, that has helped earn Paula a loyal following from critics and home cooks alike; it’s also the kind of advice, if followed, that will help you to transform an ordinary salad into something you’ll yearn for time and again.
The Food of Morocco certainly builds upon Paula’s previous work, yet it can hardly be called a follow-up or revision to Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco, as it feels and reads like its own unique masterpiece; nor can it simply be labeled Paula Wolfert’s “latest” cookbook (she’s written eight others, a journey which has led the author to garner a James Beard award, a Julia Child Award, a Tastemaker Award and other accolades). What The Food of Morocco really is, is a lifetime achievement, a culmination of almost 50 years spent in pursuit of good Moroccan food. During this time she mastered not only the cuisine, but how to make it accessible to those who’d never heard of it. She’s hunted down details, stayed true to her own standards of perfection, and delivers passion and culinary wisdom in a way which invites the reader to cook and to explore, all while getting to know the writer.
It's a book well worth owning, and one you're unlikely to part ways with once you do.
The Foods of Morocco
If you’ve ever seen the movie Casablanca, you were no doubt captivated by the mystique of Morocco. Home to an estimated 34 million people, Morocco is a culturally rich amalgamation of Arabic, Spanish, French and Berber (the original tribes of North Africa that represent a mixture of different ethnic groups) cultures, each infusing the landscape with their own unique traditional cuisine, customs, music and history. In fact, many travelers lovingly refer to Morocco as “a magical and mysterious blend” of cultural influences.
Situated just a short ferry ride from the southern tip of Spain, Morocco (with Marrakesh, Fès, Rabat and Tangiers being the major cities) is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Algeria to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the western Sahara to the south. With a backdrop encompassing spectacular mountains, a picturesque coastline, expansive sand dunes and vibrant cities and villages, it’s no wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Devouring Morocco
In terms of gastronomic delights, Morocco is brimming with a vast diversity of regional culinary specialties and traditions that together offer a feast for the body, mind and soul.
The country is a cornucopia of distinctive recipes created from an abundance of homegrown and imported spices such as kharkoum (turmeric), libzar (pepper), karfa (cinnamon), zaafran beldi (saffron) and coriander; fragrant herbs like mint and sandalwood, succulent Mediterranean fruits and vegetables including oranges, pumpkin, lemons, pomegranates, figs, eggplant, spinach, artichokes, peppers, and sweet potatoes; and a plethora of fresh seafood, and earthy meats including mutton, rabbit, lamb, chicken, beef and sometimes camel.
As in many countries and cultures, careful and artistic meal preparation and presentation is almost as important as the food itself. In Morocco the midday repast is the main meal of the day, except during the holy month of Ramadan—the Islamic month of fasting—when the fast is broken at sunset on the last day with a sumptuous meal. But it’s the Moroccan people’s passion for cooking and community that bring the food here to life, and clearly says, “Mrehba (Welcome) to Morocco!”
Harira, Pastillas and Zaalouk – Oh My!
Why not start your gastronomic adventure with a stogie? Now don’t worry, there’s no need to look for matches or an ashtray, as a stogie here is a popular (and non cancer-inducing) appetizer made with ground beef wrapped in a fluffy dough. Other popular Moroccan appetizers are Djaj Souiri, an omelet-like chicken and egg dish with saffron, cinnamon and ginger; fried or baked Msemens, a Moroccan pancake with ground beef and/or onion; and believe it or not, Danish Edam cheese as part of a typical cheese plate.
Potages—soups—are meal mainstays here also. These include the traditional Moroccan Harira—a lentil and tomato concoction best-loved during Ramadan and infused with cilantro, ginger, onion, cinnamon, celery, pepper and parsley—Bessara, a vegetarian split pea soup, Dchicha dyal Zraa made with cracked wheat, onion and olive oil, and several varieties of a semolina soup made with anise, milk, honey and/or saffron, the latter sometimes also served for breakfast.
The national dish of Morocco is the wheat kernel Couscous, and you will find it served in a wide array of creative and delightful variations made with allspice, kosher salt, cumin, garbanzo beans, chicken broth, cayenne pepper, fresh mint, red onion, raisins, yellow, green or red bell pepper, cloves, coriander and/or zucchini, in addition to other herbs and spices. Pastillas from the Berber culture, which are for the most part served as an appetizer, are hearty sweet and salty meat pies where the ingredients often vary with what is available in a particular region. But expect to find them made with some combination of fish, shredded chicken, squab, sugar, onions, parsley, cinnamon and ground almonds inside of a thin, phyllo-like dough. Even non-fans of the full bodied “big purple plant” will most likely enjoy Zaalouk, a Moroccan eggplant dish where chunks of fresh, plump eggplant are combined with cilantro, paprika, vinegar, pepper, tomatoes, cumin, garlic, salt, olive oil, and parsley.
Every meal is served with some kind of bread, including flat bread called Khubz Maghrebi, country bread kneaded into fist-size balls, to Harcha or Harsha—a combination of semolina flour, baking powder, butter, vegetable oil, milk and salt and pan-fried bread with a texture and taste similar to cornbread and resembling that of an English muffin. These breads, in addition to a variety of other regional varieties, are also often used as a utensil with which to pick up your food, since most Moroccan meals are eaten with your hands.
The wealth of Morocco’s robust culinary dishes really takes center stage with the main dishes. One staple found all over the country is Kefta, balls of ground lamb or beef mixed with the “chef’s choice” of ground pepper, paprika, mint, cinnamon, minced onion, cumin, and coriander (they are also sometimes cooked and served on skewers). You will also find Khlea, a cooked, dried meat preserved in its own fat and olive oil and often eaten by itself as a snack, or served with a variety of vegetables like black-eyed peas; Merguez, a spicy sausage made with ground lamb and/or beef and served as links, patties, in pastries, with eggs and other presentations; and Ferakh Maamer, a casserole of spring chicken stuffed with couscous sweetened with sugar, almonds, raisins and orange-flower water, simmered in cinnamon, garlic, saffron, onion, honey and ginger.
Everything Comes to a Mouth-Watering End
No Moroccan meal would be complete without dessert—another taste bud enticing experience of its own. In addition to a medley of seasonal fruits, Moroccans also serve incredible sweets such as Briouat or Kaab el Ghzal (similar to baklava), a triangular shaped flaky pastry filled with almond paste and dipped in honey. Zucre Coco, a coconut fudge cookie and Halwa Shebakia, deep-fried, pretzel-shaped dough plunged into hot honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds are other popular desserts.
And to drink? Everywhere you go—in fact at least twice a day—the denizens here drink Moroccan Mint Tea, green tea made with mint and sugar. Moroccan Mint Tea transcends serving as a mere refreshment, to holding its own as a true art form. Traditionally served by the men, its significance comes through in the “pouring,” from special tea pots with curved spouts from high above the table, splashing creatively yet gently into short glasses. Whether enjoyed with a meal or on its own, a day without Moroccan Mint Tea is like a day without air—it’s such an inextricable part of the culture.
So whether in Casablanca, Tangiers, Marrakesh or Fès; Zagora, Essaouira, Rabat, Salè or Agadir, you’re sure to enjoy one of the most fantastic epicurean adventures in the world.
Situated just a short ferry ride from the southern tip of Spain, Morocco (with Marrakesh, Fès, Rabat and Tangiers being the major cities) is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Algeria to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the western Sahara to the south. With a backdrop encompassing spectacular mountains, a picturesque coastline, expansive sand dunes and vibrant cities and villages, it’s no wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Devouring Morocco
In terms of gastronomic delights, Morocco is brimming with a vast diversity of regional culinary specialties and traditions that together offer a feast for the body, mind and soul.
The country is a cornucopia of distinctive recipes created from an abundance of homegrown and imported spices such as kharkoum (turmeric), libzar (pepper), karfa (cinnamon), zaafran beldi (saffron) and coriander; fragrant herbs like mint and sandalwood, succulent Mediterranean fruits and vegetables including oranges, pumpkin, lemons, pomegranates, figs, eggplant, spinach, artichokes, peppers, and sweet potatoes; and a plethora of fresh seafood, and earthy meats including mutton, rabbit, lamb, chicken, beef and sometimes camel.
As in many countries and cultures, careful and artistic meal preparation and presentation is almost as important as the food itself. In Morocco the midday repast is the main meal of the day, except during the holy month of Ramadan—the Islamic month of fasting—when the fast is broken at sunset on the last day with a sumptuous meal. But it’s the Moroccan people’s passion for cooking and community that bring the food here to life, and clearly says, “Mrehba (Welcome) to Morocco!”
Harira, Pastillas and Zaalouk – Oh My!
Why not start your gastronomic adventure with a stogie? Now don’t worry, there’s no need to look for matches or an ashtray, as a stogie here is a popular (and non cancer-inducing) appetizer made with ground beef wrapped in a fluffy dough. Other popular Moroccan appetizers are Djaj Souiri, an omelet-like chicken and egg dish with saffron, cinnamon and ginger; fried or baked Msemens, a Moroccan pancake with ground beef and/or onion; and believe it or not, Danish Edam cheese as part of a typical cheese plate.
Potages—soups—are meal mainstays here also. These include the traditional Moroccan Harira—a lentil and tomato concoction best-loved during Ramadan and infused with cilantro, ginger, onion, cinnamon, celery, pepper and parsley—Bessara, a vegetarian split pea soup, Dchicha dyal Zraa made with cracked wheat, onion and olive oil, and several varieties of a semolina soup made with anise, milk, honey and/or saffron, the latter sometimes also served for breakfast.
The national dish of Morocco is the wheat kernel Couscous, and you will find it served in a wide array of creative and delightful variations made with allspice, kosher salt, cumin, garbanzo beans, chicken broth, cayenne pepper, fresh mint, red onion, raisins, yellow, green or red bell pepper, cloves, coriander and/or zucchini, in addition to other herbs and spices. Pastillas from the Berber culture, which are for the most part served as an appetizer, are hearty sweet and salty meat pies where the ingredients often vary with what is available in a particular region. But expect to find them made with some combination of fish, shredded chicken, squab, sugar, onions, parsley, cinnamon and ground almonds inside of a thin, phyllo-like dough. Even non-fans of the full bodied “big purple plant” will most likely enjoy Zaalouk, a Moroccan eggplant dish where chunks of fresh, plump eggplant are combined with cilantro, paprika, vinegar, pepper, tomatoes, cumin, garlic, salt, olive oil, and parsley.
Every meal is served with some kind of bread, including flat bread called Khubz Maghrebi, country bread kneaded into fist-size balls, to Harcha or Harsha—a combination of semolina flour, baking powder, butter, vegetable oil, milk and salt and pan-fried bread with a texture and taste similar to cornbread and resembling that of an English muffin. These breads, in addition to a variety of other regional varieties, are also often used as a utensil with which to pick up your food, since most Moroccan meals are eaten with your hands.
The wealth of Morocco’s robust culinary dishes really takes center stage with the main dishes. One staple found all over the country is Kefta, balls of ground lamb or beef mixed with the “chef’s choice” of ground pepper, paprika, mint, cinnamon, minced onion, cumin, and coriander (they are also sometimes cooked and served on skewers). You will also find Khlea, a cooked, dried meat preserved in its own fat and olive oil and often eaten by itself as a snack, or served with a variety of vegetables like black-eyed peas; Merguez, a spicy sausage made with ground lamb and/or beef and served as links, patties, in pastries, with eggs and other presentations; and Ferakh Maamer, a casserole of spring chicken stuffed with couscous sweetened with sugar, almonds, raisins and orange-flower water, simmered in cinnamon, garlic, saffron, onion, honey and ginger.
Everything Comes to a Mouth-Watering End
No Moroccan meal would be complete without dessert—another taste bud enticing experience of its own. In addition to a medley of seasonal fruits, Moroccans also serve incredible sweets such as Briouat or Kaab el Ghzal (similar to baklava), a triangular shaped flaky pastry filled with almond paste and dipped in honey. Zucre Coco, a coconut fudge cookie and Halwa Shebakia, deep-fried, pretzel-shaped dough plunged into hot honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds are other popular desserts.
And to drink? Everywhere you go—in fact at least twice a day—the denizens here drink Moroccan Mint Tea, green tea made with mint and sugar. Moroccan Mint Tea transcends serving as a mere refreshment, to holding its own as a true art form. Traditionally served by the men, its significance comes through in the “pouring,” from special tea pots with curved spouts from high above the table, splashing creatively yet gently into short glasses. Whether enjoyed with a meal or on its own, a day without Moroccan Mint Tea is like a day without air—it’s such an inextricable part of the culture.
So whether in Casablanca, Tangiers, Marrakesh or Fès; Zagora, Essaouira, Rabat, Salè or Agadir, you’re sure to enjoy one of the most fantastic epicurean adventures in the world.
Morocco Museums
Morocco Museums
Discover and learn the rich culture that Morocco offers by visiting Morocco’s museums
Essaouira
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdullah: Museum of Art
Meknes
Dar Jamai Museum: Museum of Art
Fez
Borj Nord Museum: Military collection
Dar Batha : Museum of Moroccan Art, it has a collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc.
Tangier
Museum of Moroccan Art : a large collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc
The American Legation Museum: It was established in 1821, a gift to the United States from the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Suliman. The first piece of property acquired abroad by the U.S. government. The museum has an art collection, and a research library.
Forbes Museum: It was founded by the American billionaire and publisher of Forbes magazine. It has a huge collection of lead soldiers. The museum is now the property of Moroccan government.
Marrakesh
Majorelle Museum: It has a collection of Moroccan and Islamic art.
Dar Si Said: Berber art collection
Maison Tiskiwin, also known as Bert Flint museum: it has a big collection of Moroccan Berber art, architecture, design, decor, pottery and painting.
Discover and learn the rich culture that Morocco offers by visiting Morocco’s museums
Essaouira
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdullah: Museum of Art
Meknes
Dar Jamai Museum: Museum of Art
Fez
Borj Nord Museum: Military collection
Dar Batha : Museum of Moroccan Art, it has a collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc.
Tangier
Museum of Moroccan Art : a large collection of Moroccan crafts, ceramics, jewelry…etc
The American Legation Museum: It was established in 1821, a gift to the United States from the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Suliman. The first piece of property acquired abroad by the U.S. government. The museum has an art collection, and a research library.
Forbes Museum: It was founded by the American billionaire and publisher of Forbes magazine. It has a huge collection of lead soldiers. The museum is now the property of Moroccan government.
Marrakesh
Majorelle Museum: It has a collection of Moroccan and Islamic art.
Dar Si Said: Berber art collection
Maison Tiskiwin, also known as Bert Flint museum: it has a big collection of Moroccan Berber art, architecture, design, decor, pottery and painting.
Moroccan Experience-Experiencing Moroccan holidays as a foreigner
Morocco is famous for its hospitality, and while major Islamic holidays can be a busy time, the sense of hospitality remains unchanged. If your travel plans coincide with Ramadan or Eid Kbir, understanding a bit more about these Islamic holy days will help you appreciate Moroccan culture and customs more meaningfully. Keep in mind that most Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar, so they occur at a different time each year.
Ramadan in Morocco
Ramadan is well-known in the West as a month of fasting: Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunup to sundown. But a part of Ramadan you may not have heard of involves festivities: a holiday celebrating the end of the month – known in Morocco as Eid Seghir – and the joyous family gatherings when the fast is broken at sunset each day. At dusk, Moroccans come together for l-ftour – literally, “breakfast.” Often they gather around televisions to enjoy the Ramadan specials that air each year. As soon as the sundown call to prayer sounds, the difficulties of the fast are forgotten as everyone relaxes and enjoys traditional foods like dates, tea, harira (a delicious lentil and vegetable soup), and specially prepared flatbreads and sweets. When I lived in Morocco, families were always eager to share this meal with me; I was in a taxi once when the last call to prayer sounded, and the driver gave each of the passengers a delicious, juicy, sweet date so we could all break the fast together. The sense of sharing and community, always strong in Morocco, is especially evident during Ramadan.
If you are traveling in Morocco during Ramadan, you can show respect by eating in private or after dark as much as possible. Schedules will change during Ramadan – many people stay up late feasting and sleep in, if they can – but often establishments that cater to tourists remain open. You may find it easiest to adopt a schedule similar to the locals’: you’ll find that mornings tend to be slow, while cafes and restaurants remain open and lively late into the night. Above all, Ramadan is a time when Moroccans fast to practice self-control and to express solidarity with those who are hungry, and feast to celebrate family and friends – and it’s wonderful to experience first-hand.
Eid Kbir in Morocco
Eid Kbir, or “the big holiday,” occurs about two months after the end of Ramadan each year. It commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son – a story that Muslims, Christians and Jews are all familiar with (though in the Islamic tradition, it’s believed that the son Abraham is asked to sacrifice is Ishmael, not Isaac). Each family celebrates by buying the largest ram they can afford, slaughtering it according to custom, and sharing the meat with family as well as those less fortunate. If you’re traveling through Morocco in the weeks leading up to the holiday, you can spot rams being transported in buses, trucks, and even taxis to regional markets throughout the country.
Traditionally, everyone buys new clothes and dresses in their best attire for the holiday, which has a wonderfully festive air. In cities and villages alike, families sacrifice their rams on rooftops or in courtyards, and everyone celebrates outdoors as the smells of barbecuing meat fill the air. This is the biggest holiday of the year: entire extended families return to the countryside where they grew up, and family members working in Casablanca, Rabat, or abroad return to Morocco as well. This means that transportation systems can get overloaded and travel can be difficult in the days leading up to the holiday – so if you happen to be in Morocco during this time, it’s probably easiest to stay in one spot for those days. Greet locals with a celebratory “Mbruk L’eid” and you may even be invited to sample a freshly grilled kebab!
Exchange Student Experience in Morocco
Exchange Student Experience in Morocco
Four days is rarely enough time to fully experience an entire country, and this certainly holds true for diverse Morocco. But four days is plenty of time to get an impression and appreciate cultural differences and similarities. I traveled to Morocco from Madrid, Spain, for a brief tour earlier this month, and the depth of cultural knowledge I gained far exceeded any preconceived expectations. While I found myself a bit outside my comfort zone at times, specifically in situations involving Turkish toilets, those feelings were exactly what pushed me to broaden my horizons and try to see the world from the perspectives of the various people I encountered.
My experience was unique in that I went with fourteen girlfriends and chose a tour that emphasized cultural immersion over sightseeing. We jumped right into the cultural exchange with our first stop after arriving by ferry into Tanger: coffee with three religious women who were studying for advanced English degrees. The most striking difference between us was, of course, physical: they each wore a colorful hijab and loose, conservative clothing, while the clothes we had deemed “modest” were decidedly less so.
The conversation first turned to the status of women in Moroccan society and the customs they adhere to regarding their relations with men. While all three were religious, they did have varying opinions on whether or not it was okay to date men before getting married. One woman had met her husband because he was a friend of her brother’s since childhood, another said she wanted to marry traditionally and not date her future husband prior to marriage, and the third seemed to indicate that it wasn’t a bad idea to spend some time with a man before committing herself to marry him, although her parents had had an arranged marriage and were still living together happily.
We made our way to Rabat later that day, and the people we met there confirmed the existence of traditional rules for dating, though their personal experiences were all very different. Uidet, a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl whose family opened their home to me and two friends for two nights, confessed in the broken English she had learned entirely from watching American television that she had a secret boyfriend of three years. While her mother did not appear to be very religiously observant—she did not put on a hijab when a male friend came to the house—she clearly maintained traditional views on marriage and dating.
Casablanca Old Moroccan House
The next day, we met up with male university students for a cultural tour of their hometown, which included some time in the market and a trip to a hookah bar. Judging by the fact that it was the same hookah bar multiple groups of friends were brought to the previous night by their host families’ teenagers, it appeared to be one of the few hangouts of its kind for young Moroccans. Of course, there was no alcohol either: a striking difference from the establishments most American college students frequent. The boys we met appeared very americanized, and as we relaxed on couches around the hookah, our conversation was much less foreign than the one with the religious girls had been. Even so, one of the boys told us that his sister had just gotten married to a second cousin in a relatively arranged marriage. She was thirty, which he surprisingly said was not an abnormally high age for marriage in Morocco, and had basically just decided it was time to be married and had the union arranged by her family. He said that he was planning on dating before marriage, however, and that many men find that their parents are relatively open to the idea of their sons finding girlfriends and it’s the girls who have to hide their relationships. This semi-covert world of dating and hookah smoking is vastly different from the largely explicit sexual and substance-related culture we are used to in the United States and especially Europe.
Yet, despite the vast cultural differences, and even stark disagreements, we found in our encounters with Moroccan youth, we managed to find common ground drinking sweet Moroccan tea, ambling through the outdoor markets, going to the hamam (bathhouse), getting henna tattoos, and digging into a huge pot of couscous, and everyone I met did their best to help me feel welcome and comfortable in their home country.
Moroccan Fresh Snails Jemma El Fna
Crossing back over the border from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which has one of the largest income disparities of any border, really made me realize what a different world I had just visited. As drab, dingy shacks and menacing, barbed-wire-topped walls faded into seaside villas and spotless, colorful cafes in a matter of minutes on foot, reality hit me straight in the face. The Moroccan students we had met might never get the chance to use the European languages they were mastering in their respective European countries because it is nearly impossible for the average Moroccan to get even a tourist’s visa, let alone immigrate to Europe. The closest Uidet will probably get to the United States is watching American films in her living room. As I breezed through border security, I felt lucky to have been able to experience a new culture and learn from the Moroccan people, if only for a few days.
Four days is rarely enough time to fully experience an entire country, and this certainly holds true for diverse Morocco. But four days is plenty of time to get an impression and appreciate cultural differences and similarities. I traveled to Morocco from Madrid, Spain, for a brief tour earlier this month, and the depth of cultural knowledge I gained far exceeded any preconceived expectations. While I found myself a bit outside my comfort zone at times, specifically in situations involving Turkish toilets, those feelings were exactly what pushed me to broaden my horizons and try to see the world from the perspectives of the various people I encountered.
My experience was unique in that I went with fourteen girlfriends and chose a tour that emphasized cultural immersion over sightseeing. We jumped right into the cultural exchange with our first stop after arriving by ferry into Tanger: coffee with three religious women who were studying for advanced English degrees. The most striking difference between us was, of course, physical: they each wore a colorful hijab and loose, conservative clothing, while the clothes we had deemed “modest” were decidedly less so.
The conversation first turned to the status of women in Moroccan society and the customs they adhere to regarding their relations with men. While all three were religious, they did have varying opinions on whether or not it was okay to date men before getting married. One woman had met her husband because he was a friend of her brother’s since childhood, another said she wanted to marry traditionally and not date her future husband prior to marriage, and the third seemed to indicate that it wasn’t a bad idea to spend some time with a man before committing herself to marry him, although her parents had had an arranged marriage and were still living together happily.
We made our way to Rabat later that day, and the people we met there confirmed the existence of traditional rules for dating, though their personal experiences were all very different. Uidet, a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl whose family opened their home to me and two friends for two nights, confessed in the broken English she had learned entirely from watching American television that she had a secret boyfriend of three years. While her mother did not appear to be very religiously observant—she did not put on a hijab when a male friend came to the house—she clearly maintained traditional views on marriage and dating.
Casablanca Old Moroccan House
The next day, we met up with male university students for a cultural tour of their hometown, which included some time in the market and a trip to a hookah bar. Judging by the fact that it was the same hookah bar multiple groups of friends were brought to the previous night by their host families’ teenagers, it appeared to be one of the few hangouts of its kind for young Moroccans. Of course, there was no alcohol either: a striking difference from the establishments most American college students frequent. The boys we met appeared very americanized, and as we relaxed on couches around the hookah, our conversation was much less foreign than the one with the religious girls had been. Even so, one of the boys told us that his sister had just gotten married to a second cousin in a relatively arranged marriage. She was thirty, which he surprisingly said was not an abnormally high age for marriage in Morocco, and had basically just decided it was time to be married and had the union arranged by her family. He said that he was planning on dating before marriage, however, and that many men find that their parents are relatively open to the idea of their sons finding girlfriends and it’s the girls who have to hide their relationships. This semi-covert world of dating and hookah smoking is vastly different from the largely explicit sexual and substance-related culture we are used to in the United States and especially Europe.
Yet, despite the vast cultural differences, and even stark disagreements, we found in our encounters with Moroccan youth, we managed to find common ground drinking sweet Moroccan tea, ambling through the outdoor markets, going to the hamam (bathhouse), getting henna tattoos, and digging into a huge pot of couscous, and everyone I met did their best to help me feel welcome and comfortable in their home country.
Moroccan Fresh Snails Jemma El Fna
Crossing back over the border from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which has one of the largest income disparities of any border, really made me realize what a different world I had just visited. As drab, dingy shacks and menacing, barbed-wire-topped walls faded into seaside villas and spotless, colorful cafes in a matter of minutes on foot, reality hit me straight in the face. The Moroccan students we had met might never get the chance to use the European languages they were mastering in their respective European countries because it is nearly impossible for the average Moroccan to get even a tourist’s visa, let alone immigrate to Europe. The closest Uidet will probably get to the United States is watching American films in her living room. As I breezed through border security, I felt lucky to have been able to experience a new culture and learn from the Moroccan people, if only for a few days.
List of Morocco Festivals
Morocco Festivals
Theater Festival
Where: Casablanca. When:March
Cotton festival
Where: Beni Mellal. When:March
Rose festival
Where: Mgnoua. When:May
Folk festival
Where: el badi palace, Marrakesh. When: June
Cherry festival
Where: Sefrou. When: June
Camel festival
Where: Guelmim. When: June
Honey festival
Where: Immouzer. When: July
Water festival
Where: Tetouan. When: July
International art festival
Where: Asilah. When: August
Sidi Allal festival
Where: Chefchaoun. When: August
Moulay Abdessalem festival
Where: El Jadida. When: August
African Music festival
Where: Tiznit. When: August
Apple festival
Where: immouzer. When: August
Fantasia festival
Where: Meknes . When: September
Moulay Driss II festival
Where: Fes. When: September
Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa festival
Where: Agadir. When: September
Marriage festival
Where: Imilchil. When: September
Date festival
Where: Erfoud. When: October
Music festival
Where: Essaouira - Mogador. When: October
Olive festival
Where: Rif. When: December
Almond Tree festival
Where: Tafraoute. When: February
Marrakesh Film festival
Where: Marrakesh. When: November
National Film festival
Where: Tangier. When: December
Moroccan Marriage
In Morocco the marriage celebration includes several well organized ceremonies that can last from 3 days to a week, depending on the family and region of Morocco. These festivities are always the ideal opportunity to bring Moroccan families together and show the richness of Moroccan customs and traditions through clothing, art, music or cuisine which is represented via a cocktail of delicious dishes.
Moroccan women still attend in the traditional ways. The wedding dress is usually a caftan, a sort of long robe made of silk, satin, chiffon, silk or other rich fabrics, and covered with a jacket. The dress is often open on the bottom and may have embroidery or sequined details, and may be retained by a wide belt at the waist that adds a stunning touch to the moment.
Pre-Marriage Customs
The future bride and groom start formalities for the marriage about a year prior to the celebrations. Sometimes it is a simple agreement signed in the presence of witnesses and Adoul (Moroccan notary), but generally an act of formal marriage commitment is established in the presence of the family members of the couple. The husband is required to give gifts to his bride. Some gifts may be symbolic, such as sugar, which represents a happy life, or milk for purity or basic gifts which could include dates, water, orange flower and henna. They also include the engagement ring and the alliance. Gifts vary depending on the region of Morocco, and could range from jewelry and bolts of fabric, to caftans, shoes, handbags or perfume. These gifts are typically arranged in very large flat silver colored container and covered with a conical lid which is similar to the form of a big Tagine.
Two days before the wedding, customs require the bride to go to traditional Moroccan Hamam, sauna with her girl friends and relatives. It is considered as an act of purification, and accompanied by beautiful traditional songs performed by her friends.
The next ceremony will take place using the famous Moroccan Henna. Henna comes from a plant that can reach up to one meter in height, and its leaves produce yellow or red dyes which are often used for body paint to create different shapes and designs. At the ceremony a "Hennaya" , a professional Moroccan Henna artist, draws symbolic motifs on the hands and feet of the bride as a lucky charm for her new life. The brides friends and relatives who are involved in marriage will also get to have henna.
Moroccan Wedding Day
On the day of the wedding the ceremony begins with song and dance, the tradition of Islam demands the ceremony begin by reading Koranic verses and songs in praise of the prophet. Next the guests gather in a large room. The couple follow and the bride, dressed in a white caftan with matching jewelry, heads to a large chair "the Amariya” along with her groom. Four strong men carry the Amaria around the wedding room, so every guest gets to see and wish the couple happiness and good luck. After a few minutes of touring the large guest room, accompanied by music from a live traditional band, the couple is descended from Amariya to sit in two comfortable chairs strategically centered in the room, where wedding guests get to have their pictures taken with the couple.
Throughout the ceremony, the bride changes outfits, adorning a selection superb caftons justifying the reputation of Moroccan marriages. The bride can wear as many as seven different outfits, with the last wardrobe change, in general, a magnificent white wedding dress.
Neggafates: Moroccan wedding Master Planners
The bride is surrounded by "Neggafates" who are wedding master planners, since no wedding ceremony can occur without their presence. Their main task is to help with traditional Moroccan dresses, make up, jewelry, hair styling etc. Neggafates assist Moroccan couple to look their best in their wedding ceremony combining know-how about Moroccan wedding, style and fashion taste with an adequate traditional touch.
Moroccan weddings are also known for the variety of exotic Moroccan dishes, unique ingredients, and dedication by Moroccan chefs to pull them together. Different Moroccan dishes are served to wedding guests including pastille (a pie in puff pastry stuffed with a fricassee of pigeon or chicken, almonds, sugar and cinnamon), Mashwi (baby lamb), Tajine (stew meat with prunes and almonds), couscous, traditional pastries and Moroccan cookies all served with traditional mint tea. The guests dance from time to time to the rhythm of music, chat and connect with other guests and relatives. The ceremony usually ends at around 5am.
At the end of the wedding the couple are taken on a car parade ( a parade of guest and family cars) through the streets and neighborhoods, stopping at specific spots (local beaches or parks) to take pictures with friends before the couple head to the house of the groom. In some regions of Morocco, on arriving at her new home, the bride is welcomed by her mother-in-law who will offer her dates and milk as a sign of welcome and affection.
Moroccan women still attend in the traditional ways. The wedding dress is usually a caftan, a sort of long robe made of silk, satin, chiffon, silk or other rich fabrics, and covered with a jacket. The dress is often open on the bottom and may have embroidery or sequined details, and may be retained by a wide belt at the waist that adds a stunning touch to the moment.
Pre-Marriage Customs
The future bride and groom start formalities for the marriage about a year prior to the celebrations. Sometimes it is a simple agreement signed in the presence of witnesses and Adoul (Moroccan notary), but generally an act of formal marriage commitment is established in the presence of the family members of the couple. The husband is required to give gifts to his bride. Some gifts may be symbolic, such as sugar, which represents a happy life, or milk for purity or basic gifts which could include dates, water, orange flower and henna. They also include the engagement ring and the alliance. Gifts vary depending on the region of Morocco, and could range from jewelry and bolts of fabric, to caftans, shoes, handbags or perfume. These gifts are typically arranged in very large flat silver colored container and covered with a conical lid which is similar to the form of a big Tagine.
Two days before the wedding, customs require the bride to go to traditional Moroccan Hamam, sauna with her girl friends and relatives. It is considered as an act of purification, and accompanied by beautiful traditional songs performed by her friends.
The next ceremony will take place using the famous Moroccan Henna. Henna comes from a plant that can reach up to one meter in height, and its leaves produce yellow or red dyes which are often used for body paint to create different shapes and designs. At the ceremony a "Hennaya" , a professional Moroccan Henna artist, draws symbolic motifs on the hands and feet of the bride as a lucky charm for her new life. The brides friends and relatives who are involved in marriage will also get to have henna.
Moroccan Wedding Day
On the day of the wedding the ceremony begins with song and dance, the tradition of Islam demands the ceremony begin by reading Koranic verses and songs in praise of the prophet. Next the guests gather in a large room. The couple follow and the bride, dressed in a white caftan with matching jewelry, heads to a large chair "the Amariya” along with her groom. Four strong men carry the Amaria around the wedding room, so every guest gets to see and wish the couple happiness and good luck. After a few minutes of touring the large guest room, accompanied by music from a live traditional band, the couple is descended from Amariya to sit in two comfortable chairs strategically centered in the room, where wedding guests get to have their pictures taken with the couple.
Throughout the ceremony, the bride changes outfits, adorning a selection superb caftons justifying the reputation of Moroccan marriages. The bride can wear as many as seven different outfits, with the last wardrobe change, in general, a magnificent white wedding dress.
Neggafates: Moroccan wedding Master Planners
The bride is surrounded by "Neggafates" who are wedding master planners, since no wedding ceremony can occur without their presence. Their main task is to help with traditional Moroccan dresses, make up, jewelry, hair styling etc. Neggafates assist Moroccan couple to look their best in their wedding ceremony combining know-how about Moroccan wedding, style and fashion taste with an adequate traditional touch.
Moroccan weddings are also known for the variety of exotic Moroccan dishes, unique ingredients, and dedication by Moroccan chefs to pull them together. Different Moroccan dishes are served to wedding guests including pastille (a pie in puff pastry stuffed with a fricassee of pigeon or chicken, almonds, sugar and cinnamon), Mashwi (baby lamb), Tajine (stew meat with prunes and almonds), couscous, traditional pastries and Moroccan cookies all served with traditional mint tea. The guests dance from time to time to the rhythm of music, chat and connect with other guests and relatives. The ceremony usually ends at around 5am.
At the end of the wedding the couple are taken on a car parade ( a parade of guest and family cars) through the streets and neighborhoods, stopping at specific spots (local beaches or parks) to take pictures with friends before the couple head to the house of the groom. In some regions of Morocco, on arriving at her new home, the bride is welcomed by her mother-in-law who will offer her dates and milk as a sign of welcome and affection.
Moroccan Jelaba
Moroccan Jelaba
Moroccan jelaba, jellaba or djellaba is a unique Moroccan item of clothing. It is worn in most Moroccan cities and towns by both men and women, and is basically a long, loose fitting hooded robe with full sleeves.
The jelaba is available in multiple colors and fabrics, and as can be expected, there are more choices for women who can select from a wide range of designs, colors and shapes. Styles also vary depending on region within Morocco. Married women in Morocco typically wear more conservative, less colorful jelabas than those worn by single women.
A white jelaba is the dress code for men during Friday prayers throughout the mosques and for special occasions such as marriage ceremonies and holidays celebrations. It is usually baggy with one plain color. Every single Jelaba includes a “cob” hood which is usually used for protection against rain, sun, and wind. Jelabas are made of cotton or coarse wool, which can be tailored to customer’s specification. As a result, tailors can be found in most neighborhoods in Morocco.
If you are shopping for a traditional Moroccan Jelaba most markets have shops where they can be purchased. Prices start at $25 around 200DH for a very simple style jelaba.
Moroccan wearing jelaba
Moroccan men in jellaba
Etiquette in Morocco
morocco culture
Etiquette in Morocco
Moroccan people are among the most hospitable people in the world. They are warm, open and make fast friends with everyone. It is not unlikely to receive an invitation to their home just moments after you meet them. However, Moroccans, like all other people have their customs and taboos. It is good to know how to interact with them and follow proper etiquette while moving about the country.
Dressing & Public Behavior in Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim country, and modest dress is the norm. While there has been some significant Westernization of clothing styles, even the latest fashions are given a modest take in this country. Many women wear the traditional djellaba and headscarf, yet it is common to see younger girls and women who wear jeans and T-shirts.
As a visitor, you certainly aren’t expected to wear traditional dress, but covering up your shoulders and upper arms, not wearing anything above the knee, and keeping all parts of your midriff covered would be a good way to show you respect the culture of modesty present among the locals. To keep cool in the warmer climate, keeping your garments loose not only adds to a modesty factor, but will also keep you cooler during the day as well.
For men, it is also a good idea to consider modesty as well and keep with the same lines of women’s dress in keeping the shoulders covered and not wearing a pair of shorts that go above the knee.
In more rural areas, it is better for both men and women to consider covering up even further by wearing long, loose pants or an ankle-length skirt. For women, covering more of the arm with at least a ¾ length sleeve is also a good idea. If you are planning to attend a mosque, this dress, as well as covering the hair would be necessary. Additionally, both men and women need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque.
On most beaches, swimsuits are acceptable, but should only be shown once on the beach. If you must change, doing so in one of the available changing rooms or restrooms is more appropriate than doing so on the beach.
In addition to the way you dress, take into consideration certain behaviors in public. For instance, public displays of affection between the opposite sexes are not common and still a bit taboo. Men and women should keep a bit of distance between themselves when walking along the street. However, it is customary for men to hold hands of their male friends and family members when walking along the street and the same goes for women. This is purely platonic as homosexuality is still quite taboo in Morocco.
In many instances, a woman taking a seat at the male-dominated cafes is also still considered unacceptable. However, this is less so for Western women, and if you really want to visit a cafe, try sitting at one of the tables on the inside section and not the seats along the sidewalk.
In general, it is best for a woman not to go out alone if possible. Having a male companion, or at least another female will ward off lewd comments and inappropriate actions from local men, which is unfortunately, all too common.
If you happen to visit Morocco during Ramadan, you would not be expected to fast from food and drink as the Muslims do from dawn until dusk. However, it would be very offensive to eat in public so you should plan meals and travel around being able to eat in a private space. You should also note that most restaurants and cafes during the day, so finding food to eat may prove more difficult than eating it in public anyway.
e,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Etiquette in Morocco
Moroccan people are among the most hospitable people in the world. They are warm, open and make fast friends with everyone. It is not unlikely to receive an invitation to their home just moments after you meet them. However, Moroccans, like all other people have their customs and taboos. It is good to know how to interact with them and follow proper etiquette while moving about the country.
Dressing & Public Behavior in Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim country, and modest dress is the norm. While there has been some significant Westernization of clothing styles, even the latest fashions are given a modest take in this country. Many women wear the traditional djellaba and headscarf, yet it is common to see younger girls and women who wear jeans and T-shirts.
As a visitor, you certainly aren’t expected to wear traditional dress, but covering up your shoulders and upper arms, not wearing anything above the knee, and keeping all parts of your midriff covered would be a good way to show you respect the culture of modesty present among the locals. To keep cool in the warmer climate, keeping your garments loose not only adds to a modesty factor, but will also keep you cooler during the day as well.
For men, it is also a good idea to consider modesty as well and keep with the same lines of women’s dress in keeping the shoulders covered and not wearing a pair of shorts that go above the knee.
In more rural areas, it is better for both men and women to consider covering up even further by wearing long, loose pants or an ankle-length skirt. For women, covering more of the arm with at least a ¾ length sleeve is also a good idea. If you are planning to attend a mosque, this dress, as well as covering the hair would be necessary. Additionally, both men and women need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque.
On most beaches, swimsuits are acceptable, but should only be shown once on the beach. If you must change, doing so in one of the available changing rooms or restrooms is more appropriate than doing so on the beach.
In addition to the way you dress, take into consideration certain behaviors in public. For instance, public displays of affection between the opposite sexes are not common and still a bit taboo. Men and women should keep a bit of distance between themselves when walking along the street. However, it is customary for men to hold hands of their male friends and family members when walking along the street and the same goes for women. This is purely platonic as homosexuality is still quite taboo in Morocco.
In many instances, a woman taking a seat at the male-dominated cafes is also still considered unacceptable. However, this is less so for Western women, and if you really want to visit a cafe, try sitting at one of the tables on the inside section and not the seats along the sidewalk.
In general, it is best for a woman not to go out alone if possible. Having a male companion, or at least another female will ward off lewd comments and inappropriate actions from local men, which is unfortunately, all too common.
If you happen to visit Morocco during Ramadan, you would not be expected to fast from food and drink as the Muslims do from dawn until dusk. However, it would be very offensive to eat in public so you should plan meals and travel around being able to eat in a private space. You should also note that most restaurants and cafes during the day, so finding food to eat may prove more difficult than eating it in public anyway.
e,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Couscous aux sept légumes
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
1 kg de semoule à couscous
500 g de jarret de boeuf
300 g de navets
300 g de carottes
300 g de courgettes
300 g de chou
300 g de pommes de terre
300 g d’aubergines
300 g de potiron
300 g de tomates
2 oignons
1 petite cuillère à café de safran
1 cuillère à café de piment doux
1 bouquet de coriandre
200 g de beurre
sel
poivre
Découper la viande de boeuf en morceaux. Les mettre dans la marmite à couscous. Couvrir de 5 litres d’eau froide
Ajouter les oignons coupés en morceaux, le safran, le piment doux, le sel, le poivre.
Porter à ébullition et laisser cuire à petits bouillons pendant une heure.
Mettre la semoule à couscous dans un saladier et verser dessus un peu d’eau tiède salée.
Mélanger et détacher les grains avec une fourchette.
Mettre la semoule dans le panier du couscoussier et le poser sur la marmite
Laver les navets et les couper en quartiers. Laver et gratter les carottes et les couper en tronçons. Laver les courgettes et les couper en rondelles de 3 cm d’épaisseur. Laver le chou et le couper en lanières. Peler le potiron et le couper en gros cubes. Laver les aubergines el les couper en dés. Laver les tomates et les couper en quartiers.
Au bout d’une heure de cuisson du bouillon, ajouter les navets, les carottes et le chou. Laisser cuire pendant un quart d’heure puis ajouter le potiron, les pommes de terre, les aubergines, les tomates, les courgettes et la coriandre hachée.
Mettre la semoule dans le panier du couscoussier.
Laisser cuire pendant 3 quarts d’heure.
Quand la semoule est cuite, la mettre dans un plat. Y ajouter du beurre coupé en morceau.
Creuser un puits au centre de la semoule et y disposer les légumes et les viandes.
Présenter le bouillon à part dans une soupière.
1 kg de semoule à couscous
500 g de jarret de boeuf
300 g de navets
300 g de carottes
300 g de courgettes
300 g de chou
300 g de pommes de terre
300 g d’aubergines
300 g de potiron
300 g de tomates
2 oignons
1 petite cuillère à café de safran
1 cuillère à café de piment doux
1 bouquet de coriandre
200 g de beurre
sel
poivre
Découper la viande de boeuf en morceaux. Les mettre dans la marmite à couscous. Couvrir de 5 litres d’eau froide
Ajouter les oignons coupés en morceaux, le safran, le piment doux, le sel, le poivre.
Porter à ébullition et laisser cuire à petits bouillons pendant une heure.
Mettre la semoule à couscous dans un saladier et verser dessus un peu d’eau tiède salée.
Mélanger et détacher les grains avec une fourchette.
Mettre la semoule dans le panier du couscoussier et le poser sur la marmite
Laver les navets et les couper en quartiers. Laver et gratter les carottes et les couper en tronçons. Laver les courgettes et les couper en rondelles de 3 cm d’épaisseur. Laver le chou et le couper en lanières. Peler le potiron et le couper en gros cubes. Laver les aubergines el les couper en dés. Laver les tomates et les couper en quartiers.
Au bout d’une heure de cuisson du bouillon, ajouter les navets, les carottes et le chou. Laisser cuire pendant un quart d’heure puis ajouter le potiron, les pommes de terre, les aubergines, les tomates, les courgettes et la coriandre hachée.
Mettre la semoule dans le panier du couscoussier.
Laisser cuire pendant 3 quarts d’heure.
Quand la semoule est cuite, la mettre dans un plat. Y ajouter du beurre coupé en morceau.
Creuser un puits au centre de la semoule et y disposer les légumes et les viandes.
Présenter le bouillon à part dans une soupière.
Poulet Mariné – Mchermel
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
2 poulets fermiers
8 oignons
2 gousses d’ail
10 brins de persil plat
10 brins de coriandre
1 citron confit
1 cuillères à soupe de jus de citron
1 cuillères à soupe de safran
1 cuillères à soupe de piment doux
1 cuillères à café de cumin
huile, sel, poivre
Dans une cocotte, faire revenir a l’huile les poulets entiers avec leurs foies et gésiers, les oignons émincés, l’ail pressé, le safran. Saler, poivrer et mouiller de 3 petits verre d’eau. Laisser mijoter a feu moyen 30 minutes, à couvert, en retournant de temps en temps les poulets. Ajouter le piment, le cumin, la coriandre et le persil haché, et l’écorce du citron confit émincée. Faire cuire encore 15 minutes. En fin de cuisson, verser le jus de citron. Bien mélanger et laisser mijoter encore quelques minutes, pour que la sauce soit onctueuse.
2 poulets fermiers
8 oignons
2 gousses d’ail
10 brins de persil plat
10 brins de coriandre
1 citron confit
1 cuillères à soupe de jus de citron
1 cuillères à soupe de safran
1 cuillères à soupe de piment doux
1 cuillères à café de cumin
huile, sel, poivre
Dans une cocotte, faire revenir a l’huile les poulets entiers avec leurs foies et gésiers, les oignons émincés, l’ail pressé, le safran. Saler, poivrer et mouiller de 3 petits verre d’eau. Laisser mijoter a feu moyen 30 minutes, à couvert, en retournant de temps en temps les poulets. Ajouter le piment, le cumin, la coriandre et le persil haché, et l’écorce du citron confit émincée. Faire cuire encore 15 minutes. En fin de cuisson, verser le jus de citron. Bien mélanger et laisser mijoter encore quelques minutes, pour que la sauce soit onctueuse.
The Culture of Morocco
The Culture of Morocco
Morocco Cultural Overview
As an Islamic country, Morocco stands out distinctly for a significant reason. Due to the bold and strenuous efforts by King Mohammed VI, Islam in Morocco is rapidly turning out to be a tool to modernize and democratize the country. A revolutionary effort is on the way to reinvent the religion with a tolerant interpretation of the Koran. To aid this mission, the government has launched a website, a radio and a TV channel. Apart from this, religious dialogues are also held inviting the participation of elite public and religious heads. The recent efforts of the government strive to fuse Islam, modernization and civil rights.
Moroccon Languages
Morocco is a bilingual country with Arabic and French as official languages. Arabic is widely spoken by common masses while French is taught in schools. Therefore, French is extensively used in government, business and elite circles. In the city of Casablanca, English is well known and widely used. Spanish is quite popular in the north of Morocco. More than 40% of the Moroccans are of Berber origin. Though Berbers got converted to Islam eventually, their ethnic and linguistic affiliations have remained with them till this day. Therefore, Berber dialects such as Tachelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit are widely used in Morocco, even in journalism and mass media.
Islamic Clothing of Morocco
Costumes differ from town to town in Morocco being influenced by Spanish, Turkish, Balkan, Berber and French traditions. The Moroccan men wear djellaba, a long, loose, full sleeve garment with a hood. A red cap called tarbouche or Fez is worn on special occasions. Also, most Moraccan men and women wear soft, heelless, leather slippers called Baboosh, yellow in color. High-heeled sandals with silver or gold tinsel are also popular among women. The djellabas worn by women are dominated by bright colors and ornate patterns woven by hand, whereas those worn by men are plain in neutral colors. A hoodless type of djellaba called Kaftans is also popular. Despite the high costs of the traditional dress, Moroccans are strongly attached to their dress and purchase at least a new pair every year.
Moroccon Foods
Moroccan culinary traditions are predominantly based on a diet of meat and candies. A rich soup called harira; sweet empanada with meat of dove; cuscus made with semola, egg, chicken, lamb or vegetables; Tajine made with lamb or chicken; chicken stuffed with almonds, semola and raisins; the roasted meat of sheep called mchoui; and the candies of the kab-el-ghzal and almond are some of the delicious dishes of Morocco that would enthrall any visitor.
Moroccon Social Life
Principles of sound democracy are heralded in Morocco and are already on their way to modernize the country. The new family code adopted by the parliament in 2003 has conferred equal status to women in marriage, children and property. Fighting against religious fanaticism and striving to modernize Islam, Morocco is emerging as a model for democratic Islam. Ethnically and culturally, one can say that today’s Morocco is the least Arabic among Arab countries.
Morocco Cultural Overview
As an Islamic country, Morocco stands out distinctly for a significant reason. Due to the bold and strenuous efforts by King Mohammed VI, Islam in Morocco is rapidly turning out to be a tool to modernize and democratize the country. A revolutionary effort is on the way to reinvent the religion with a tolerant interpretation of the Koran. To aid this mission, the government has launched a website, a radio and a TV channel. Apart from this, religious dialogues are also held inviting the participation of elite public and religious heads. The recent efforts of the government strive to fuse Islam, modernization and civil rights.
Moroccon Languages
Morocco is a bilingual country with Arabic and French as official languages. Arabic is widely spoken by common masses while French is taught in schools. Therefore, French is extensively used in government, business and elite circles. In the city of Casablanca, English is well known and widely used. Spanish is quite popular in the north of Morocco. More than 40% of the Moroccans are of Berber origin. Though Berbers got converted to Islam eventually, their ethnic and linguistic affiliations have remained with them till this day. Therefore, Berber dialects such as Tachelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit are widely used in Morocco, even in journalism and mass media.
Islamic Clothing of Morocco
Costumes differ from town to town in Morocco being influenced by Spanish, Turkish, Balkan, Berber and French traditions. The Moroccan men wear djellaba, a long, loose, full sleeve garment with a hood. A red cap called tarbouche or Fez is worn on special occasions. Also, most Moraccan men and women wear soft, heelless, leather slippers called Baboosh, yellow in color. High-heeled sandals with silver or gold tinsel are also popular among women. The djellabas worn by women are dominated by bright colors and ornate patterns woven by hand, whereas those worn by men are plain in neutral colors. A hoodless type of djellaba called Kaftans is also popular. Despite the high costs of the traditional dress, Moroccans are strongly attached to their dress and purchase at least a new pair every year.
Moroccon Foods
Moroccan culinary traditions are predominantly based on a diet of meat and candies. A rich soup called harira; sweet empanada with meat of dove; cuscus made with semola, egg, chicken, lamb or vegetables; Tajine made with lamb or chicken; chicken stuffed with almonds, semola and raisins; the roasted meat of sheep called mchoui; and the candies of the kab-el-ghzal and almond are some of the delicious dishes of Morocco that would enthrall any visitor.
Moroccon Social Life
Principles of sound democracy are heralded in Morocco and are already on their way to modernize the country. The new family code adopted by the parliament in 2003 has conferred equal status to women in marriage, children and property. Fighting against religious fanaticism and striving to modernize Islam, Morocco is emerging as a model for democratic Islam. Ethnically and culturally, one can say that today’s Morocco is the least Arabic among Arab countries.
Moroccan pavilion captures its colourful culture at GV
DUBAI: The Moroccan Pavilion at Global Village gives visitors an amazing family entertainment and cultural destination and a chance to experience the rich and varied culture of Morocco.
Visitors looking for the very best in traditional Moroccan souvenirs will savour the sights, smells and sounds of the colourful pavilion that will brighten up a visit to Global Village, as families look through the great selection of ornaments and tables.
Stepping into the Moroccan Pavilion gives a sensation of walking among one of the country’s world famous souks in Fez, Meknes, Rabat or Marrakech. The hustle and bustle of this packed pavilion creates a unique atmosphere as visitors search through this colourful pavilion and find great selections of chairs, tables, and pottery.
One of the most popular ceramic items on display is the traditional Tajine, an earthenware pot that is used during the cooking process for some of the country’s most famous dishes.
Traditional Moroccan clothing is also available for visitors to pick up. Symbolic kaftans are generally worn by females. The brighter and more intricate the dress, the more respect the individual commands. Traditionally, kaftans were given to visitors as gifts, with the ornaments and colours used on the kaftan showing the persons rank.
The Moroccan Pavilion is also a leading destination at Global Village for the large amounts of handmade pottery, lamps and mosaic vases on offer. The vases are handcrafted and decorated with signature mosaic motifs with the traditionally hand cut tiles decorating waist high vases with a wonderful array of colours.
Visitors will also find themselves happening upon the traditional Argan oil that contains many vitamins and acids that are excellent for the health. It is used both cosmetically, to rid people of dry skin, and for the prevention of hair loss. It is also used in cooking as a substitute for butter.
To experience a culture that is brimming with traditional forms of art and links to its rich heritage, the Moroccan Pavilion is the place where its at.
Visitors looking for the very best in traditional Moroccan souvenirs will savour the sights, smells and sounds of the colourful pavilion that will brighten up a visit to Global Village, as families look through the great selection of ornaments and tables.
Stepping into the Moroccan Pavilion gives a sensation of walking among one of the country’s world famous souks in Fez, Meknes, Rabat or Marrakech. The hustle and bustle of this packed pavilion creates a unique atmosphere as visitors search through this colourful pavilion and find great selections of chairs, tables, and pottery.
One of the most popular ceramic items on display is the traditional Tajine, an earthenware pot that is used during the cooking process for some of the country’s most famous dishes.
Traditional Moroccan clothing is also available for visitors to pick up. Symbolic kaftans are generally worn by females. The brighter and more intricate the dress, the more respect the individual commands. Traditionally, kaftans were given to visitors as gifts, with the ornaments and colours used on the kaftan showing the persons rank.
The Moroccan Pavilion is also a leading destination at Global Village for the large amounts of handmade pottery, lamps and mosaic vases on offer. The vases are handcrafted and decorated with signature mosaic motifs with the traditionally hand cut tiles decorating waist high vases with a wonderful array of colours.
Visitors will also find themselves happening upon the traditional Argan oil that contains many vitamins and acids that are excellent for the health. It is used both cosmetically, to rid people of dry skin, and for the prevention of hair loss. It is also used in cooking as a substitute for butter.
To experience a culture that is brimming with traditional forms of art and links to its rich heritage, the Moroccan Pavilion is the place where its at.
Culture Minister receives Moroccan delegation
Manama-Jan27(BNA)Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa received Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in Charge of Civil Service and Administration Modernisation Mohammed Mebdaa and School of Administration of Morocco director Nadia Al-Barnoussi and discussed bilateral relations.
Moroccan Ambassador to Bahrain Ahmed Rasheed Khatabi attended the session which spotlighted festivities marking Manama Year of Art 2014 and Manama Capital of Asian Tourism2014. The Moroccan delegation commended the role of the ministry in promoting culture, hailing Bahrain's landmark cultural milestones, particularly Bahrain National Museum and the National Amphitheatre.
The delegation outlined their Government's keenness on promoting culture, emphasizing the tourism strategy which was drawn up in the presence of Moroccan Mohammed VI. The minister paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for the royal keenness on promoting culture, stressing Bahrain's drive to build bridges with all Arab and world cultures.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Morocco police block launch of rapper's new album
Police disrupted the launch of a new album by rapper Mouad Belghouat, an outspoken voice of Morocco's February 20 pro-reform movement who spent a year in jail, witnesses said.
Belghouat, released from prison last year after serving a one-year sentence for defaming the police in his songs, had planned to present his album Walou (Nothing) at the Karama bookshop in Casablanca on 13 February.
But dozens of police were deployed nearby, and shortly before the event they ordered the bookshop shut, said Abdou Berrada, one of the organisers.
"They then told those who had come for the launch to leave," he added.
The interior ministry declined to comment on the incident.
"This ban proves once again that the authorities are determined to prevent politically engaged artists from expressing themselves," Belghouat said.
He said the album, his first since being released from jail, had taken him a lot of time and effort.
The rapper, who goes by the rap name Al-Haqed (The Rancorous), is known for writing songs critical of Morocco's monarchy and political establishment.
He became a public face of the February 20 movement which was born out of the Arab Spring protests sweeping the region in 2011 and demanded extensive reforms in Morocco.
He was convicted in March 2012 over a song he wrote called Dogs of the State, which denounced police corruption and was deemed an affront to Morocco's entire police force.
While in prison, he was awarded an "integrity" prize by Transparency Morocco, for his "honesty and the justice of his fight" for a better society.
Belghouat, released from prison last year after serving a one-year sentence for defaming the police in his songs, had planned to present his album Walou (Nothing) at the Karama bookshop in Casablanca on 13 February.
But dozens of police were deployed nearby, and shortly before the event they ordered the bookshop shut, said Abdou Berrada, one of the organisers.
"They then told those who had come for the launch to leave," he added.
The interior ministry declined to comment on the incident.
"This ban proves once again that the authorities are determined to prevent politically engaged artists from expressing themselves," Belghouat said.
He said the album, his first since being released from jail, had taken him a lot of time and effort.
The rapper, who goes by the rap name Al-Haqed (The Rancorous), is known for writing songs critical of Morocco's monarchy and political establishment.
He became a public face of the February 20 movement which was born out of the Arab Spring protests sweeping the region in 2011 and demanded extensive reforms in Morocco.
He was convicted in March 2012 over a song he wrote called Dogs of the State, which denounced police corruption and was deemed an affront to Morocco's entire police force.
While in prison, he was awarded an "integrity" prize by Transparency Morocco, for his "honesty and the justice of his fight" for a better society.
CAVES OF HERCULES REVIEW
Five kilometers (3 mi) south of the cape are the so-called Caves of Hercules are a popular and harmless tourist attraction tied to the region's relationship with the mythical hero, who was said to rest here after his famous labors. Inhabited in prehistoric times, the caves were used more recently to cut millstones, hence the hundreds of round indentations on their walls and ceiling otherwise attributed to Hercules' clawing fingers. The caves are known for their windowlike opening in the shape of the African continent, through which the surf comes crashing into the lagoon and lower cave. Here you can buy souvenirs and have a camel ride in the parking lot.
EXPLORE TANGIER, TETOUAN AND THE NORTHWEST
Tangier
The Caves of Hercules
East of Tangier
Asilah
Larache
Ancient Lixus
Ksar el Kebir
Moulay Bousselham
Ceuta
Tetouan
The Tetouan coast: Fnideq to Oued Laou
Chefchaouen
Ouezzane
The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are something of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea window, shaped like a map of Africa. The name, like Hercules’ legendary founding of Tangier, is purely fanciful, but the caves, 16km outside the city and above the Atlantic beach, make an attractive excursion. If you feel like staying for a few days by the sea, the beach can be a pleasant base, too; outside of July and August only stray groups of visitors share the long surf beaches. Take care with currents, however, which can be very dangerous even near the shore.
Africa’s most northwesterly promontory, Cap Spartel, is a dramatic and fertile point, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as the “Cape of the Vines”. You can visit the lighthouse and sometimes, if the keeper is around, enter and climb it.
To the south of Cap Spartel begins the vast and wild Atlantic, known locally as Robinson Plage. It is broken only by a rocky spit, 5km from the Cape, which is home to the Caves of Hercules. Natural formations, which were occupied in prehistoric times, the caves are most striking for a man-made addition – thousands of disc-shaped erosions created by centuries of quarrying for millstones. There were still people cutting stones here for a living until the 1920s, but by that time their place was beginning to be taken by professional guides and discreet sex hustlers; it must have made an exotic brothel.
Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/africa/morocco/tangier-tetouan-northwest/caves-hercules/#ixzz2txjvkXT7
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Visiting the Caves of Hercules in Tangier, Morocco
This is one of the TOP TEN places to visit in Tangier, Morocco.
The caves of Hercules, located just 14 km west of Tangier, are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance.
The mouths of the caves open up onto the Atlantic and are flooded at high tide. When the tide comes in, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and hillside. It’s very impressive.The caves are partly man-made and partly natural. At low tide, the views inside caves looking out over the ocean are stunning, the colours in particular. The blue Atlantic Ocean and sky above resemble a reverse silhouette of Africa.
Also, the Cave of Hercules has a bit of notoriety. On October 23, 1995, British rock group Def Leppard played a concert in the cave
I can totally relate with you. We have two young kids of our own and have done so much public transportation. It always ends up with a crazy story with our kids. Life is quite an adventure here. I’m glad you enjoyed your first visit – we’re having a blast here!
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
The caves of Hercules, located just 14 km west of Tangier, are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance.
The mouths of the caves open up onto the Atlantic and are flooded at high tide. When the tide comes in, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and hillside. It’s very impressive.The caves are partly man-made and partly natural. At low tide, the views inside caves looking out over the ocean are stunning, the colours in particular. The blue Atlantic Ocean and sky above resemble a reverse silhouette of Africa.
Also, the Cave of Hercules has a bit of notoriety. On October 23, 1995, British rock group Def Leppard played a concert in the cave
I can totally relate with you. We have two young kids of our own and have done so much public transportation. It always ends up with a crazy story with our kids. Life is quite an adventure here. I’m glad you enjoyed your first visit – we’re having a blast here!
The Caves of Hercules, Tangiers, Morroco, Africa.
The caves of Hercules, located just 14kms west of Tangiers, are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance.
|
| The caves of Hercules |
The mouths of the caves open up onto the Atlantic and are flooded at high tide. When the tide comes in, water gushes up through these massive holes in the ground and hillside. It's very impressive.
The caves are partly man-made and partly natural. It's not exactly sure how the caves were created. It's believed that for some reason, an ancient civilization used to carve millstones out of the solid rock that caused giant caves to form over the years. How these primitive people managed to cut into solid rock with simple and crude tools is still a mystery.
|
| The caves of Hercules |
At low tide, the views inside caves looking out over the ocean are stunning, the colours in particular. The blue Atlantic Ocean and sky above resemble a reverse silhouette of Africa.
Swimming here can be quite dangerous. The currents offshore can get very strong. If you're not a strong swimmer, it's best to stick to sunbathing.
Some people say that the caves were once joined under the sea to St Michaels caves on the rock of Gibraltar and that this is "possibly" how the Barbary Apes crossed over. But nobody knows for sure. This coastline is also where the pirates of the region were once headquartered.
Also well worth a visit is the old 2nd and 3rd century Roman ruins of Cotta. They're just 500 feet away.
The Caves of Hercules, Tangiers, Morroco, Africa.
| |
| The Caves of Hercules, Tangiers, Morroco, Africa. |
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Grottoes of Hercules - Historic Tale Told in these Tangier Caves
The city of Tangier in Morocco is situated on the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar on the North African coast. This city, which went through a period of relative obscurity, has been experiencing an increase in tourism once more. Its close proximity to Europe makes it easily accessible to tourists who want to experience the mystical beauty of this North African city.
According to Berber mythology, the City of Tangier was built by Sufax who was the son of Tinjis, the wife of the Berber hero Antaios. There are also stories of Tangier being founded by the Greek demi-god, Hercules.
The Grottoes of Hercules (also known as the Caves of Hercules) are situated 14 km west of the city of Tangier. This cave is a significant tourist attraction - something which often has a lot to do with its association with Greek mythology. Hercules is believed to have slept in these grottoes before attempting one of 12 labors. These 12 labors were given to him by King Eurystheus of Tiryns and took Hercules 12 years to complete. Hercules traveled all over in order to complete these tasks. What were they?
Different ancient poets have given accounts of Hercules’s labors, so the details of how they were accomplished have slight variations. But the tasks themselves were: Kill the Nemean Lion; Kill the Lernean Hydra; Capture the Cerynian Hind; Capture the Erymanthian Boar; Clean the Augean Stables; Kill the Stymphalian Birds; Capture the Cretan Bull; Capture the Horses of Diomedes; Take the Girdle of the Amazon Queen Hippolyte; Capture the Cattle of Geryon; Take the Golden Apples of the Hesperides; and Capture Cerberus. Certainly no easy tasks there! Take for example the task of killing the Lernean Hydra. This was an evil, snakelike creature that had nine heads. If one head was injured, two would grow in its place. Hercules overcame this difficulty by quickly slicing off all the heads, while his charioteer, Iolaus, sealed the wounds with a torch. Hercules then used the blood of the Lernean Hydra to poison the tips of his arrows, which were later used in the task of killing the Stymphalian Birds. No wonder he needed somewhere quiet to rest!
The Grottoes of Hercules are of archeological, historical and mythological significance, as well as great beauty. Clearly, anyone taking a trip to the city of Tangier should make a point of visiting the Grottoes of Hercules.
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
|
| Tangier Caves |
The Grottoes of Hercules (also known as the Caves of Hercules) are situated 14 km west of the city of Tangier. This cave is a significant tourist attraction - something which often has a lot to do with its association with Greek mythology. Hercules is believed to have slept in these grottoes before attempting one of 12 labors. These 12 labors were given to him by King Eurystheus of Tiryns and took Hercules 12 years to complete. Hercules traveled all over in order to complete these tasks. What were they?
Different ancient poets have given accounts of Hercules’s labors, so the details of how they were accomplished have slight variations. But the tasks themselves were: Kill the Nemean Lion; Kill the Lernean Hydra; Capture the Cerynian Hind; Capture the Erymanthian Boar; Clean the Augean Stables; Kill the Stymphalian Birds; Capture the Cretan Bull; Capture the Horses of Diomedes; Take the Girdle of the Amazon Queen Hippolyte; Capture the Cattle of Geryon; Take the Golden Apples of the Hesperides; and Capture Cerberus. Certainly no easy tasks there! Take for example the task of killing the Lernean Hydra. This was an evil, snakelike creature that had nine heads. If one head was injured, two would grow in its place. Hercules overcame this difficulty by quickly slicing off all the heads, while his charioteer, Iolaus, sealed the wounds with a torch. Hercules then used the blood of the Lernean Hydra to poison the tips of his arrows, which were later used in the task of killing the Stymphalian Birds. No wonder he needed somewhere quiet to rest!
|
| The Grottoes of Hercules |
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
Caves of Hercules, Tanger
Caves of Hercules, Tanger
The Caves of Hercules is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Tangier and is located 14 kilometres west of Tangier in Cape Spartel, near the summer palace of the King of Morocco. The cave has two openings, one to sea and one to land.
The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are something of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea window, shaped like a map of Africa. The name, like Hercules’ legendary founding of Tangier, is purely fanciful, but the caves, 16km outside the city and above the Atlantic beach, make an attractive excursion. If you feel like staying for a few days by the sea, the beach can be a pleasant base, too; outside of July and August only stray groups of visitors share the long surf beaches. Take care with currents, however, which can be very dangerous even near the shore.
Africa’s most northwesterly promontory, Cap Spartel, is a dramatic and fertile point, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as the “Cape of the Vines”. You can visit the lighthouse and sometimes, if the keeper is around, enter and climb it.
To the south of Cap Spartel begins the vast and wild Atlantic, known locally as Robinson Plage. It is broken only by a rocky spit, 5km from the Cape, which is home to the Caves of Hercules. Natural formations, which were occupied in prehistoric times, the caves are most striking for a man-made addition – thousands of disc-shaped erosions created by centuries of quarrying for millstones. There were still people cutting stones here for a living until the 1920s, but by that time their place was beginning to be taken by professional guides and discreet sex hustlers; it must have made an exotic brothel.
The Caves of Hercules is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Tangier and is located 14 kilometres west of Tangier in Cape Spartel, near the summer palace of the King of Morocco. The cave has two openings, one to sea and one to land.
|
| Caves of Hercules, Tanger |
The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are something of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea window, shaped like a map of Africa. The name, like Hercules’ legendary founding of Tangier, is purely fanciful, but the caves, 16km outside the city and above the Atlantic beach, make an attractive excursion. If you feel like staying for a few days by the sea, the beach can be a pleasant base, too; outside of July and August only stray groups of visitors share the long surf beaches. Take care with currents, however, which can be very dangerous even near the shore.
Africa’s most northwesterly promontory, Cap Spartel, is a dramatic and fertile point, and was known to the Greeks and Romans as the “Cape of the Vines”. You can visit the lighthouse and sometimes, if the keeper is around, enter and climb it.
To the south of Cap Spartel begins the vast and wild Atlantic, known locally as Robinson Plage. It is broken only by a rocky spit, 5km from the Cape, which is home to the Caves of Hercules. Natural formations, which were occupied in prehistoric times, the caves are most striking for a man-made addition – thousands of disc-shaped erosions created by centuries of quarrying for millstones. There were still people cutting stones here for a living until the 1920s, but by that time their place was beginning to be taken by professional guides and discreet sex hustlers; it must have made an exotic brothel.
caftan paradise 2013
caftan paradise 2013
les caftan paradise 2013 - les caftan 2013 photos -
- les photos de caftan paradise 2013
 |
| caftan paradise 2013 |
 |
| caftan paradise 2013 |
Les Caftan paradise 2013 .
les plus belle caftan paradise sur les caftan 2013
morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco
TUNIC & KAFTAN
TUNIC & KAFTAN
Looking for the perfect designer kaftan? Discover the fantastic collection of women's designer tunics and kaftans online at Farfetch. Find fantastic styles from high end designers such as Marni, Rick Owens and Missoni. Check out the latest on-trend designs such as Proenza Schouler’s cool oriental printed silk top, Chloe’s striking shirt dress and Victoria Beckham’s bold colour block women’s tunic.
Looking for the perfect designer kaftan? Discover the fantastic collection of women's designer tunics and kaftans online at Farfetch. Find fantastic styles from high end designers such as Marni, Rick Owens and Missoni. Check out the latest on-trend designs such as Proenza Schouler’s cool oriental printed silk top, Chloe’s striking shirt dress and Victoria Beckham’s bold colour block women’s tunic.
Clothing retailer takes store on the road
Clothing retailer takes store on the road
Borrowing from the success of many chefs, Pursuit goes mobile to connect with young clientel
Now that food trucks are almost everywhere, it’s time for something completely different.
How about a suit truck?
Pursuit — originally a temporary shop in the University District that has turned into a permanent store — is branching out with a “suit store on wheels” in what was once a Cape Cod potato-chip delivery truck.
“It certainly is a fun project,” said Nate DeMars, owner of Pursuit. “We’re hoping the novelty of it can help give us more exposure to potential clientele.”
Like a food truck, Pursuit will take its wares to the public, except in a little more targeted way.
Operators expect to hit events, like the Columbus Young Professionals Club event at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on Saturday, as well as making various kinds of appointments. The truck makes its debut tonight at 7:30 at Pursuit’s brick-and-mortar store, 1572 N. High St.
“I don’t think we’ll be at the same place on a weekly basis,” DeMars said. “It will be event based. We’re open to people reaching out if they have a good fit. This is about a guy who wants to bring us to his office or to his fraternity house, or for a guy who wants wedding suits.”
DeMars hatched the idea for Pursuit a few years ago, in an entrepreneurship class at OSU’s Fisher College of Business.
“I had been shopping for a suit and I was amazed that there was a void for a place that seemed to cater to younger guys,” he said.
“Everybody either spent a boatload of money on a suit or went to a warehouse-type place,” DeMars said. “I saw these guys would go to career fairs — thousands of guys — wearing ill-fitting variations of the same look. I thought they could use a little help. I know I could have.”
When the original Pursuit store was launched at the South Campus Gateway 21/2 years ago, the idea of a rolling showroom was very much part of the plan.
But DeMars found that the store had such appeal among the young professional crowd that “it seemed silly to pick up and leave.”
Part of the appeal was the prices. “People assume that since we’re local and small, we must be expensive,” DeMars said. “But people are pleasantly surprised when they visit.”
Suits range from $249 to $399, “what you might find at the mall,” he said.
So the truck idea was put on hold — until last year.
“Nate told us the business was doing well, but he wanted to do something really creative and talked about using a truck,” said architect Eliza Ho.
DeMars had come to the right people. Ho and her husband, Tim Lai, are the architects who have created Dinin’ Hall, Columbus’ first street-food hub that features a rotating roster of food trucks.
“We have partnered with more than 15 food trucks in town, so we know a lot about the anatomy of a truck and have seen so many variations,” Ho said. “When Nate talked about using a truck to sell suits we thought it was a great idea. We haven’t seen anyone do it in the region. I do think it has a lot of potential, using a truck to sell different merchandise.”
Ho and Lai visited the Pursuit store, “to learn more about his aesthetic,” she said. Over the course of several months, they developed design ideas for the exterior and interior of the truck, which DeMars bought from a dealer south of Columbus.
The exterior of the truck features a herringbone pattern intended as a reference to traditional suits, along with the silhouette of a young man.
Inside, “we wanted everything simple,” Ho said. “It goes with the brand. So we went with natural wood, and then modular-type shelving, trying to create a system to make suits stand out.”
The interior isn’t just a jam-packed showroom, however. It’s a functional space that allows customers to shop for, try on and buy suits.
“We were very pleasantly surprised at how roomy it feels, and how much we can pack into it,” DeMars said. “It’s amazing what intelligent design can do. We can get probably 60 percent of the suits we show in the store into the truck.”
Luckily, there was no need to carry a vast inventory in the truck. Because the business focuses on a young clientele, the Pursuit brick-and-mortar store doesn’t carry a huge amount of merchandise either.
“We only sell slim-fit clothes, sizes for a younger demo,” DeMars said. “For instance, we sell charcoal gray 38-regular suit coats. Guys that age have so much less variation in body types than their fathers.”
While DeMars isn’t sure what to expect in sales from the truck, he expects “it to function like a second store. We see a year from now the sales volume will be like the brick-and-mortar.”
“If 10 people in a day buy six suits, that’s a good day, so we’re hoping for that.”
Borrowing from the success of many chefs, Pursuit goes mobile to connect with young clientel
Now that food trucks are almost everywhere, it’s time for something completely different.
How about a suit truck?
Pursuit — originally a temporary shop in the University District that has turned into a permanent store — is branching out with a “suit store on wheels” in what was once a Cape Cod potato-chip delivery truck.
“It certainly is a fun project,” said Nate DeMars, owner of Pursuit. “We’re hoping the novelty of it can help give us more exposure to potential clientele.”
Like a food truck, Pursuit will take its wares to the public, except in a little more targeted way.
Operators expect to hit events, like the Columbus Young Professionals Club event at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on Saturday, as well as making various kinds of appointments. The truck makes its debut tonight at 7:30 at Pursuit’s brick-and-mortar store, 1572 N. High St.
“I don’t think we’ll be at the same place on a weekly basis,” DeMars said. “It will be event based. We’re open to people reaching out if they have a good fit. This is about a guy who wants to bring us to his office or to his fraternity house, or for a guy who wants wedding suits.”
DeMars hatched the idea for Pursuit a few years ago, in an entrepreneurship class at OSU’s Fisher College of Business.
“I had been shopping for a suit and I was amazed that there was a void for a place that seemed to cater to younger guys,” he said.
“Everybody either spent a boatload of money on a suit or went to a warehouse-type place,” DeMars said. “I saw these guys would go to career fairs — thousands of guys — wearing ill-fitting variations of the same look. I thought they could use a little help. I know I could have.”
When the original Pursuit store was launched at the South Campus Gateway 21/2 years ago, the idea of a rolling showroom was very much part of the plan.
But DeMars found that the store had such appeal among the young professional crowd that “it seemed silly to pick up and leave.”
Part of the appeal was the prices. “People assume that since we’re local and small, we must be expensive,” DeMars said. “But people are pleasantly surprised when they visit.”
Suits range from $249 to $399, “what you might find at the mall,” he said.
So the truck idea was put on hold — until last year.
“Nate told us the business was doing well, but he wanted to do something really creative and talked about using a truck,” said architect Eliza Ho.
DeMars had come to the right people. Ho and her husband, Tim Lai, are the architects who have created Dinin’ Hall, Columbus’ first street-food hub that features a rotating roster of food trucks.
“We have partnered with more than 15 food trucks in town, so we know a lot about the anatomy of a truck and have seen so many variations,” Ho said. “When Nate talked about using a truck to sell suits we thought it was a great idea. We haven’t seen anyone do it in the region. I do think it has a lot of potential, using a truck to sell different merchandise.”
Ho and Lai visited the Pursuit store, “to learn more about his aesthetic,” she said. Over the course of several months, they developed design ideas for the exterior and interior of the truck, which DeMars bought from a dealer south of Columbus.
The exterior of the truck features a herringbone pattern intended as a reference to traditional suits, along with the silhouette of a young man.
Inside, “we wanted everything simple,” Ho said. “It goes with the brand. So we went with natural wood, and then modular-type shelving, trying to create a system to make suits stand out.”
The interior isn’t just a jam-packed showroom, however. It’s a functional space that allows customers to shop for, try on and buy suits.
“We were very pleasantly surprised at how roomy it feels, and how much we can pack into it,” DeMars said. “It’s amazing what intelligent design can do. We can get probably 60 percent of the suits we show in the store into the truck.”
Luckily, there was no need to carry a vast inventory in the truck. Because the business focuses on a young clientele, the Pursuit brick-and-mortar store doesn’t carry a huge amount of merchandise either.
“We only sell slim-fit clothes, sizes for a younger demo,” DeMars said. “For instance, we sell charcoal gray 38-regular suit coats. Guys that age have so much less variation in body types than their fathers.”
While DeMars isn’t sure what to expect in sales from the truck, he expects “it to function like a second store. We see a year from now the sales volume will be like the brick-and-mortar.”
“If 10 people in a day buy six suits, that’s a good day, so we’re hoping for that.”
Cat’s Basement aids students in need of clothing
A community effort in Harrisonville is keeping kids warm this winter from the frigid temperatures and snow that has graced the Midwest in recent months.
The new Cat’s Basement within the Harrisonville School District is a place where students in search of clothing, shoes, winter coats, or school supplies can have their needs fulfilled.
This year, the district has been able to assist by providing 71 students with winter coats and clothing for 195 students.
Located in the basement of the district’s alternative school, the Cat’s Basement is set up like a store with shelves and racks fitted with clean clothing for students unable to afford even the most basic of necessities.
“I’ve brought kids down here and they’ve picked out their own stuff, or if they didn’t have time, I would come down, grab a few things and take them back (to the school),” Harrisonville Middle School Counselor Valerie Holmes said.
The closet utilizes a variety clothing sizes to fit a variety of students -- from the very young children to older teens, who are in need of adult-sized clothing.
Harrisonville Communications and Community Relations Director Jill Filer said the idea for the Cat’s Basement was spurred last winter.
“A few years prior, the middle school had come up with an idea to have something like this -- a clothing place at their building,” Filer said.
Filer felt inspired to make a similar resource available on a district level with the launch of the Bright Futures Harrisonville initiative in 2012.
Students who had outgrown their clothing, didn’t have things like a set of gym clothes, or those couldn’t afford buying new belongings, could go up to the storage room, which had been given the name of the “Cat’s Closet,” with a staff person, and pick out the item they needed.
“The concept was great, and when Bright Futures got going, we started to think of a central location where we could have it,” Filer said.
Filer identified a vacant space in the basement of the alternative school that would work for what she had envisioned.
Through the generosity of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, and several other local businesses, the district was able to remodel the basement to include shelving, clothing racks, a shower, and a clothing washer and dryer.
“We’ve had a lot of volunteers in here getting this stuff ready,” Filer said. “We never asked for clothing, but people started hearing that we were going to have this and clothing kept on getting dropped off.”
The Cat’s Basement was ready by summer in time for Bright Future’s Back-To-School event.
“Families were able to come during the Back-to-School Fair and pick out three outfits and they all got a new pair of shoes,” Filer said. “It’s been a great community effort and we’re so excited about being able to have this for our kids,” Filer said.
Throughout the school year, students have been able to utilize the basement as their needs continued -- especially as kids grow taller and outgrow their pants, or as their shoes deteriorated or became too small.
“Their toes are popping out and there are holes in the soles of their feet,” Holmes said. “It’s almost daily that I get a call from a teacher or another adult in our building to check on a kid.”
During the winter months, there has also been a demand on winter apparel.
Due to the proximity of the basement, students attending the alternative school have also been given the opportunity to gain job skills.
“We wanted this to be a place where our alternative school students could also get some work skills,” Filer said.
Students are receiving experience in learning how to stock shelves and keep inventory.
“(The basement) was a great place for this to be so that these kids could benefit, and then other kids could benefit, too,” Filer said.
Harrisonville Middle School students taking home economics or life skills courses have also received hands-on experience as part of their studies in laundering the clothing donations that come in to the Cat’s Basement.
“It’s been a great project so far in getting the community, kids, and staff involved,” Filer said. “This is what Bright Futures is about...it’s a community partnership. There were so many people involved in getting it up and going.”
In addition to the basement, the middle school has continued to keep their Cat’s Closet open this year.
“We check ours first, and if we don’t have it, we come here,” Holmes said. “It works really well for us. It’s fun to bring (students) over here and (see them) light up and pick out whatever they want. “
Holmes said students have been receptive of the initiative. She said 5-7 students, on average, use the closet on a daily basis.
“They know about the closet and they’re never afraid to ask anyone,” Holmes said. “They know it’s there and that it’s accessible.”
The Cat’s Basement is currently low in inventory of girls and boys pants, sizes 5-10, and men-sized pants for middle school and high school boys.
Pant donations may be dropped off at the Harrisonville Alternative School, 402 Eastwood Rd., between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on normal school days.
The new Cat’s Basement within the Harrisonville School District is a place where students in search of clothing, shoes, winter coats, or school supplies can have their needs fulfilled.
This year, the district has been able to assist by providing 71 students with winter coats and clothing for 195 students.
Located in the basement of the district’s alternative school, the Cat’s Basement is set up like a store with shelves and racks fitted with clean clothing for students unable to afford even the most basic of necessities.
“I’ve brought kids down here and they’ve picked out their own stuff, or if they didn’t have time, I would come down, grab a few things and take them back (to the school),” Harrisonville Middle School Counselor Valerie Holmes said.
The closet utilizes a variety clothing sizes to fit a variety of students -- from the very young children to older teens, who are in need of adult-sized clothing.
Harrisonville Communications and Community Relations Director Jill Filer said the idea for the Cat’s Basement was spurred last winter.
“A few years prior, the middle school had come up with an idea to have something like this -- a clothing place at their building,” Filer said.
Filer felt inspired to make a similar resource available on a district level with the launch of the Bright Futures Harrisonville initiative in 2012.
Students who had outgrown their clothing, didn’t have things like a set of gym clothes, or those couldn’t afford buying new belongings, could go up to the storage room, which had been given the name of the “Cat’s Closet,” with a staff person, and pick out the item they needed.
“The concept was great, and when Bright Futures got going, we started to think of a central location where we could have it,” Filer said.
Filer identified a vacant space in the basement of the alternative school that would work for what she had envisioned.
Through the generosity of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, and several other local businesses, the district was able to remodel the basement to include shelving, clothing racks, a shower, and a clothing washer and dryer.
“We’ve had a lot of volunteers in here getting this stuff ready,” Filer said. “We never asked for clothing, but people started hearing that we were going to have this and clothing kept on getting dropped off.”
The Cat’s Basement was ready by summer in time for Bright Future’s Back-To-School event.
“Families were able to come during the Back-to-School Fair and pick out three outfits and they all got a new pair of shoes,” Filer said. “It’s been a great community effort and we’re so excited about being able to have this for our kids,” Filer said.
Throughout the school year, students have been able to utilize the basement as their needs continued -- especially as kids grow taller and outgrow their pants, or as their shoes deteriorated or became too small.
“Their toes are popping out and there are holes in the soles of their feet,” Holmes said. “It’s almost daily that I get a call from a teacher or another adult in our building to check on a kid.”
During the winter months, there has also been a demand on winter apparel.
Due to the proximity of the basement, students attending the alternative school have also been given the opportunity to gain job skills.
“We wanted this to be a place where our alternative school students could also get some work skills,” Filer said.
Students are receiving experience in learning how to stock shelves and keep inventory.
“(The basement) was a great place for this to be so that these kids could benefit, and then other kids could benefit, too,” Filer said.
Harrisonville Middle School students taking home economics or life skills courses have also received hands-on experience as part of their studies in laundering the clothing donations that come in to the Cat’s Basement.
“It’s been a great project so far in getting the community, kids, and staff involved,” Filer said. “This is what Bright Futures is about...it’s a community partnership. There were so many people involved in getting it up and going.”
In addition to the basement, the middle school has continued to keep their Cat’s Closet open this year.
“We check ours first, and if we don’t have it, we come here,” Holmes said. “It works really well for us. It’s fun to bring (students) over here and (see them) light up and pick out whatever they want. “
Holmes said students have been receptive of the initiative. She said 5-7 students, on average, use the closet on a daily basis.
“They know about the closet and they’re never afraid to ask anyone,” Holmes said. “They know it’s there and that it’s accessible.”
The Cat’s Basement is currently low in inventory of girls and boys pants, sizes 5-10, and men-sized pants for middle school and high school boys.
Pant donations may be dropped off at the Harrisonville Alternative School, 402 Eastwood Rd., between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on normal school days.
Australian clothing shoppers ‘in the dark’ about ethical purchasing
Major Australian clothing companies are under pressure to publicly state where their products are made, as consumer advocates accuse them of leaving customers “in the dark” when it comes to making ethical purchase decisions.
The Just Group – which includes Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E, Peter Alexander and Dotti – and Best & Less have both failed to sign the Bangladesh accord, according to a report on ethical clothing manufacturing by Choice, Ethical Fashion.
The accord – announced in May 2013 in response to a series of fatal disasters in dangerous Bangladesh factories – is a legally binding agreement seeking to improve safety conditions by, in part, requiring companies to reveal the locations of factories in their supply chain, so they can be audited by independent inspectors. The accord also requires companies to finance safety improvements.
Kmart is the only Australian clothing retailer to publish a list of its Bangladeshi factories. Target has committed to it but has not published yet.
The Bangladeshi garment industry is beset with unsafe workplaces and poor working conditions in its more than 5,000 factories. In April a Dhaka building full of garment factories collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people. Hundreds more have been killed or injured in dozens of recent incidents, including stampedes and frequent fires.
Bangladeshi factories supply globally recognised brands, many of which have since signed the accord or initiated compensation schemes for victims and families.
“With Australia’s clothing imports totalling approximately $5.8bn, it’s hard to know if our much-loved brands are doing the right thing by their workers,” said Choice. “A longer supply chain means it’s increasingly difficult for brands to maintain sight of safety issues and working conditions.”
Choice told Guardian Australia that signing the accord and publishing factory lists empowered consumers who want to make ethical choices about their clothing purchases.
“Companies that don’t seek to disclose these details create an impression they have something to hide,” said the organisation’s head of media, Tom Godfrey. “We want to see some transparency around this.”
The approach of some companies to conduct their own safety audits was not good enough, said Godfrey.
Best & Less told Guardian Australia it agreed with the intent of the accord, but decided not to sign it. Instead, the retailer had dramatically tightened up its supply chain to ensure it knows where their garments and the fabric used to make them come from.
“The country of origin can be found on the labels of all of our garments and the materials used are listed on our care labels,” said a spokesman. “Approximately 5% of our production comes from Bangladesh. One of our Bangladesh suppliers buys some of their cotton yarn from Australia.”
The company has limited agreements to six suppliers which are in turn allowed to use a maximum of three factories. All workplaces are independently audited, it said.
“We have audits from all of these factories and our own quality assurance team have personally visited and inspected these factories to ensure they are compliant with our ethical sourcing code,” said the spokesman.
Choice said this approach was problematic.
“Unfortunately, the inspections don’t always lead to improvements for workers. For example, prior to the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, two of the factories had been audited but safety risks had not been identified. Often audits are announced in advance and auditors may lack the expertise to do the job credibly,” its report says.
Bangladesh is the second largest source of Australian clothing imports, supplying 6%, behind China’s 72.9%, which begs the question: why not a China accord?
“Bangladesh became the primary focus following the 2013 Savar building collapse that resulted in 1,100 deaths,” said Choice’s Godfrey. “Let’s hope it doesn’t take another tragedy before similar measures are put in place on other countries.”
The Just Group – which includes Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E, Peter Alexander and Dotti – and Best & Less have both failed to sign the Bangladesh accord, according to a report on ethical clothing manufacturing by Choice, Ethical Fashion.
The accord – announced in May 2013 in response to a series of fatal disasters in dangerous Bangladesh factories – is a legally binding agreement seeking to improve safety conditions by, in part, requiring companies to reveal the locations of factories in their supply chain, so they can be audited by independent inspectors. The accord also requires companies to finance safety improvements.
Kmart is the only Australian clothing retailer to publish a list of its Bangladeshi factories. Target has committed to it but has not published yet.
The Bangladeshi garment industry is beset with unsafe workplaces and poor working conditions in its more than 5,000 factories. In April a Dhaka building full of garment factories collapsed, killing more than 1,100 people. Hundreds more have been killed or injured in dozens of recent incidents, including stampedes and frequent fires.
Bangladeshi factories supply globally recognised brands, many of which have since signed the accord or initiated compensation schemes for victims and families.
“With Australia’s clothing imports totalling approximately $5.8bn, it’s hard to know if our much-loved brands are doing the right thing by their workers,” said Choice. “A longer supply chain means it’s increasingly difficult for brands to maintain sight of safety issues and working conditions.”
Choice told Guardian Australia that signing the accord and publishing factory lists empowered consumers who want to make ethical choices about their clothing purchases.
“Companies that don’t seek to disclose these details create an impression they have something to hide,” said the organisation’s head of media, Tom Godfrey. “We want to see some transparency around this.”
The approach of some companies to conduct their own safety audits was not good enough, said Godfrey.
Best & Less told Guardian Australia it agreed with the intent of the accord, but decided not to sign it. Instead, the retailer had dramatically tightened up its supply chain to ensure it knows where their garments and the fabric used to make them come from.
“The country of origin can be found on the labels of all of our garments and the materials used are listed on our care labels,” said a spokesman. “Approximately 5% of our production comes from Bangladesh. One of our Bangladesh suppliers buys some of their cotton yarn from Australia.”
The company has limited agreements to six suppliers which are in turn allowed to use a maximum of three factories. All workplaces are independently audited, it said.
“We have audits from all of these factories and our own quality assurance team have personally visited and inspected these factories to ensure they are compliant with our ethical sourcing code,” said the spokesman.
Choice said this approach was problematic.
“Unfortunately, the inspections don’t always lead to improvements for workers. For example, prior to the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, two of the factories had been audited but safety risks had not been identified. Often audits are announced in advance and auditors may lack the expertise to do the job credibly,” its report says.
Bangladesh is the second largest source of Australian clothing imports, supplying 6%, behind China’s 72.9%, which begs the question: why not a China accord?
“Bangladesh became the primary focus following the 2013 Savar building collapse that resulted in 1,100 deaths,” said Choice’s Godfrey. “Let’s hope it doesn’t take another tragedy before similar measures are put in place on other countries.”
U.K. Retail Sales Decline Most Since April 2012 on Clothing
U.K. retail sales fell more than economists forecast in January with the biggest drop in almost two years, led by lower demand at food and clothing stores.
Sales including fuel plunged 1.5 percent from December, when they surged 2.5 percent, the Office for National Statistics said today in London. The decline was the biggest since April 2012 and exceeded the 1 percent median forecast of 19 economists in a Bloomberg News survey.
The slide, in a critical month for retailers as they clear winter stocks with seasonal discounts, highlights the risks to Britain’s recovery. The Bank of England raised its economic projections this month and forecast that household-spending growth will accelerate to more than 3 percent this year from 2.25 percent in 2013.
“This has to be viewed in the context of the surge in sales in December,” said James Knightley, an economist at ING Bank in London. “With consumer confidence on a strong upward path, employment rising and wage growth starting to show some hints of life, we look for the household sector to contribute strongly to gross domestic product growth this year.”
Today’s report showed that food sales fell 3.4 percent in December from January, while sales of clothing, footwear and textiles dropped 3.5 percent, the most since April 2012.
Cosmetic Boost
Household goods sales increased 5.3 percent, boosted by furniture and electrical goods. There was also an increase in sales of cosmetics, which is often seen in months when people buy fewer clothes, the ONS said.
From a year earlier, retail sales were up 4.3 percent, and the statistics office said the data still points to growth in the industry. In the three months through January, sales rose 1.1 percent compared with the previous three months.
The pound gained 0.1 percent to $1.6671 at 10:25 a.m. London time after dropping 0.6 percent in the previous four days. Sterling strengthened 0.2 percent to 82.22 pence per euro.
In a separate report, the ONS said Britain posted a smaller-than-forecast budget surplus in January as taxes from incomes and company profits fell. The surplus of 4.7 billion pounds compared with 6 billion pounds a year earlier and economists’ forecast for 8 billion pounds.
While Britain’s economy is strengthening and inflation is cooling, wage growth remains subdued, keeping a squeeze on consumers.
Savings Rate
“Much of the spending probably continued to come from households reducing their savings rate,” said Christian Schulz, senior European economist at Berenberg Bank in London. “As wage growth begins to pick up and inflation falls, the real income squeeze on households should ease which would support a more sustainable consumption recovery. In the meantime, however, the rapid pace of expansion may slow.”
Researcher Kantar Worldpanel said this month that the U.K.’s grocery market grew at the slowest pace in nine years in the past three months. Sales expanded 2.4 percent in the twelve weeks to Feb. 2, down from 2.9 percent growth in the previous three-month period. “Brighter economic prospects are yet to be seen in the nation’s shopping trolleys,” said Fraser McKevitt, an analyst at Kantar.
The ONS said the retail sales deflator, a measure of changes in shop prices, was 0.2 percent in January, down from 0.5 percent. That’s the smallest since September 2009, when it fell 0.8 percent. The deflator on food was 1.8 percent.
Sales including fuel plunged 1.5 percent from December, when they surged 2.5 percent, the Office for National Statistics said today in London. The decline was the biggest since April 2012 and exceeded the 1 percent median forecast of 19 economists in a Bloomberg News survey.
The slide, in a critical month for retailers as they clear winter stocks with seasonal discounts, highlights the risks to Britain’s recovery. The Bank of England raised its economic projections this month and forecast that household-spending growth will accelerate to more than 3 percent this year from 2.25 percent in 2013.
“This has to be viewed in the context of the surge in sales in December,” said James Knightley, an economist at ING Bank in London. “With consumer confidence on a strong upward path, employment rising and wage growth starting to show some hints of life, we look for the household sector to contribute strongly to gross domestic product growth this year.”
Today’s report showed that food sales fell 3.4 percent in December from January, while sales of clothing, footwear and textiles dropped 3.5 percent, the most since April 2012.
Cosmetic Boost
Household goods sales increased 5.3 percent, boosted by furniture and electrical goods. There was also an increase in sales of cosmetics, which is often seen in months when people buy fewer clothes, the ONS said.
From a year earlier, retail sales were up 4.3 percent, and the statistics office said the data still points to growth in the industry. In the three months through January, sales rose 1.1 percent compared with the previous three months.
The pound gained 0.1 percent to $1.6671 at 10:25 a.m. London time after dropping 0.6 percent in the previous four days. Sterling strengthened 0.2 percent to 82.22 pence per euro.
In a separate report, the ONS said Britain posted a smaller-than-forecast budget surplus in January as taxes from incomes and company profits fell. The surplus of 4.7 billion pounds compared with 6 billion pounds a year earlier and economists’ forecast for 8 billion pounds.
While Britain’s economy is strengthening and inflation is cooling, wage growth remains subdued, keeping a squeeze on consumers.
Savings Rate
“Much of the spending probably continued to come from households reducing their savings rate,” said Christian Schulz, senior European economist at Berenberg Bank in London. “As wage growth begins to pick up and inflation falls, the real income squeeze on households should ease which would support a more sustainable consumption recovery. In the meantime, however, the rapid pace of expansion may slow.”
Researcher Kantar Worldpanel said this month that the U.K.’s grocery market grew at the slowest pace in nine years in the past three months. Sales expanded 2.4 percent in the twelve weeks to Feb. 2, down from 2.9 percent growth in the previous three-month period. “Brighter economic prospects are yet to be seen in the nation’s shopping trolleys,” said Fraser McKevitt, an analyst at Kantar.
The ONS said the retail sales deflator, a measure of changes in shop prices, was 0.2 percent in January, down from 0.5 percent. That’s the smallest since September 2009, when it fell 0.8 percent. The deflator on food was 1.8 percent.
Kim Kardashian's First Baby Clothing Collection Debuts in March!
Kim Kardashian looks chic while stepping out to do some shopping at the Sweet William Baby Clothing Store on Thursday afternoon (February 20) in New York City.The 33-year-old reality star was joined by her PR guru pal Simon Huck and another friend for the afternoon outing.
That same afternoon, Kim‘s fiance Kanye West was seen leaving their apartment and covering his face with his scarf to keep warm in the cold weather.
“Couldn’t be more excited!!! Our 1st baby collection Kardashian Kids [is] launching March 15th at Babies ‘R Us,” Kim wrote on her Instagram account that day. Make sure to check it out!
50+ Trendy Hijab Styles Tutorials of 2013-2014
Over the period of time dressing up properly is becoming very important to look well groomed. The sense of wearing also boost up our confidence and make us stand out in the crowd. In 2013, the revolution for the need of wearing hijab being the part of our dresses has evolved and Hijab has become a part of our wardrobe. Hijab is the modesty which reflects the one’s iman and devotion to Allah. Hijab has the decency to show the essence of beauty which is the awareness of the way we dress in the public.
Tying up a Hijab in a right way is very necessary to be learned and practice because the Hijab which is neatly assembled on our head has thousand times more beauty than a crown on our head. Therefore, Here are some 50+ Trendy Hijab Styles Tutorials of 2013 where you will find the complete solution of tying up the hijabs in a different way daily which will make your personality more modest and you will compelled to say that “ I Love my Hijab”.
Note: Pictures credit goes to their respective owners.
This
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)