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The Annual Almond Tree Blossom Festival in Morocco
Geographically, Morocco is a land of contrasts, of rugged mountains and dry deserts, as well as lively, green country sides. Nature here is blessed in terms of variety and the Moroccans take pride in this diversity and celebrate nature's cycle of events on an annual basis.
One such event is the Almond Tree Festival which is usually celebrated in February at Morocco's Almond capital, Tafraoute Valley. Tafraoute looks more like an artist's palette with the innumerable hues that enhance the beauty of the place. Ochre-covered buildings in shades of yellow, brown and red are set amidst palm plantations and green trees with an unlikely background of pink rocks. Such dramatic geography combined with the blossoming of the pink almond flowers in spring creates an overwhelming landscape that can leave one feeling exhilarated by the beauty of all the colours.
The Almond Tree Festival is one of Morocco's most popular events that attract crowds not just from around the country but also from around the world. The festival, like many of Morocco's events, gives visitors an insight into Moroccan culture, traditions and superstitions. It is characterized by the almond tress in full bloom, exhibiting delicate pink flowers and the colourful market called the 'Souk' which adds to the vibrant environment.
The Souk creates a spectacular ambience full of innumerable items which may probably not be very useful but are surely attractive and can add to one's art collection. The Moroccan culture is revealed to tourists through the various story-tellers that are part of this market and that really add to the whole feeling of being in a culturally alien place. However, the genuine spirit in which these stories are told is truly moving.
While Tafraoute is by nature a peaceful and simple place, the festival transforms it into a completely contradictory destination with its lively events and the party atmosphere thus created. Adding to the charged environment are the Moroccan musicians, some of whom can leave visitors speechless with their soulful music and completely in-sync body language.
The highlight of the Almond Festival, apart from of course, it is natural photogenic beauty and blooming pink almonds are the dancers who are part of the Souk and create great visual appeal especially for visitors from outside of the country who are not acquainted with middle east culture and its various forms of dance.
An event that deserves all the attention it receives, the Moroccan Almond Tree Festival can leave any visitor wanting to return and be part of its next annual festival.