Aïn Louh, nestled within the Ifrane province of the Fes-Meknes region, stands as a quintessential Moroccan rural commune. Its urban centre and vast forest, predominantly adorned by cedar trees, define its landscape. The forest spans 21,705 hectares, covering more than half of the commune’s total area of 37,202 hectares.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Every July, Aïn Leuh springs to life with the National Ahidous Festival, celebrating Amazigh traditional arts since its inception in 2000. Additionally, since 2009, the Association Anarouz has organized a Cherry Festival in June, adding a festive charm to the community. Every Wednesday, a bustling market takes place, showcasing local produce and craftsmanship.
The 23rd edition of the National Festival of Ahidous, held from July 13th to 15th, 2024, in the Ain Al Louh region, invites participants from various regions to celebrate the richness of Amazigh culture. This annual event is deeply cherished by those who value the diversity of Moroccan heritage.
Ahidous, a communal art form rooted in the Mediterranean Atlas, combines music, dance, and storytelling. With skilled performers leading the rhythms of the bendir (a traditional frame drum made of goat skin), the taarija (a percussion instrument), and synchronized clapping, it transcends linguistic barriers and brings joy to all who partake, fostering a sense of unity through generations.
The Ahidous dance is one of the most prominent cultural expressions of the Amazigh people in Morocco, particularly in the Middle Atlas Mountains. It is a collective performance that combines singing, rhythmic clapping, and circular dancing. It is performed during social occasions such as weddings, agricultural celebrations, and important events, symbolizing the Amazigh community’s connection to its environment and reflecting its collective identity.
Despite the passing of centuries, the Ahidous art form has preserved its unique traditions and rhythms, and its circular shape, which brings together men and women as a symbol of joy and celebration of life in the mountainous and agricultural regions of those picturesque areas. Ahidous is deeply intertwined with poetry, melodies, songs, and choreography, with both men and women participating, either individually, in pairs, or collectively. These Ancient Amazigh cultural heritage dances are often associated with festivals, parties, weddings, harvest seasons, and gatherings, as well as with periods of resistance and military struggles against invading enemies. Thus, the dance became associated with resistance and defiance of the enemy, flowing with the sounds of the wind, sand dunes, and the undulating movements of nature. A Western researcher once described the Amazigh dance as “inspired by the waves of the wheat ears… or the dunes in the desert, or the mountain ridges on the horizon.“
The Ahidous dance is a unique blend of musical, poetic, and dance elements, expressing the beauty of life in the mountains, which are rich in water, green nature, and springs. The Amazigh dance celebrates beauty in all its forms, whether it be the beauty of nature or the beauty of the human being, and it symbolizes the strength and courage of the tribes and the struggles of their men and women. Despite the passing centuries, the Ahidous dance continues to retain its traditions, rhythms, and circular shape, which unites men and women in an expressive celebration of the mountainous and agricultural life in these stunning areas. The dance is closely linked with poetry, melodies, songs, and choreography, with men and women participating in it individually or collectively. These dances are often connected to festivals, parties, weddings, harvest seasons, and gatherings, and also to times of military resistance against invaders.
The Amazigh dance Ahidous carries a distinctive character tied to resistance and challenge, reflecting harmony with the winds, sand dunes, and the movements of nature. The dance is divided into different rhythms: heavy rhythm, medium rhythm, and light rhythm, or it can be divided into two main forms: the regular short Ahidous, which requires a large number of dancers performing choreographed movements, and the long large Ahidous, which combines dancing and singing, involving fewer participants who perform a variety of refined dance movements in harmony with the rhythms of Amazigh music.
The Ahidous can be entirely male, led by the “maestro,” or it may consist of a group of females, or it can be a mix of both men and women. In this case, the women stand between the men, linking arms, waists, and hands, with their heads swaying in reverence, with rising and falling motions, and the bodies and legs vibrating rhythmically. The male performer often wears his traditional jalaba and turban and carries a large bendir made of goat skin, which is heated by fire during the dance. The women cover their bodies from head to toe in bright, patterned Amazigh clothing, especially in yellow, and adorn their chests with local jewellery, emphasizing their authenticity and deep connection to their Amazigh heritage and identity.
This dance continues to be a vital part of Amazigh culture, symbolizing resistance, celebration of life, and deep connection to nature. It remains present in cultural events such as the National Ahidous Festival in Ain Louh, which is celebrated annually.
Join us from July 13th to 15th, 2024, at the National Festival of Ahidous, where cultural enthusiasts and travellers can explore the essence of Moroccan heritage. Experience captivating performances, interactive workshops, and guided tours, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a curious soul, the National Festival of Ahidous offers an enriching cultural experience. It celebrates resilience, creativity, and community, highlighting the timeless traditions of Amazigh culture amidst the majestic Atlas Mountains.
