The deafening roar and dust rising from trucks arriving from all regions mark the beginning of one of the most celebrated Festivals of Morocco. During the year, the small town of Tissa is a peaceful community, sunk in the treeless hills of the Moroccan landscape, some fifty kilometers from Fez. But in October, the city turns into a place of medieval festivities, colors and music. This is the annual Tissa Horse Festival and it's an event not to be missed.
Many visitors travel to Morocco without realizing that a world of festivities awaits them. This remarkable Tissa Horse Festival is celebrated in memory of Sidi Muhammed Ben Lachen, a 15th century saint. It attracts hundreds of breeders and horse owners who come to the annual Tissa Horse Festival to show off their beautiful horses. The horses that are brought here are the finest breeds, which include Berber Arabs, Arab stallions and bearded mares. Riders have the opportunity to display their talents in different events, to exhibit their qualities such as grace, speed, maneuverability and endurance. Each discipline is executed with precision and most of the time the crowd is subjugated, open-mouthed or jubilant with encouragement and noisy screams.

Of course, this would not be a competition without a prize, and to ensure the best chances of victory, the owners and breeders compete more than one horse overtrained in the events. Despite this, the Tissa Horse Festival is one of the many events of this type of festival in Morocco. There is old pride and tradition that is attached to this event that finds its origin in the ancestral equestrian tradition of the region. The dress code of this spectacular event is the traditional costume, the national dress of the country. These clothes are known as gandoura and djellaba. The riders take a very serious part in every part of the festival.

Spectators are in no hurry to stay serious for ten days, which is why the Tissa Horse Festival is an equestrian event that also hosts live musicians, dancing, singing and standing ovations. The fast flow commissioners who accompany the breeders and the buyers in the horse trade participate in the madness of this festival. It is recommended for visitors traveling to Morocco to join and celebrate this festival that combines the excitement and jubilant atmosphere of the celebration, with the culture and tradition that have always been synonymous in the region.

SOURCE : Traditional Tissa Horse Festival