It all started with a tale of two lovers. Her name was “Tislet,” and his was “Isli.” Their families were enemy Berber tribes from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Although they were lovers, in true Shakespearean tradition, their irate parents refused to allow them to marry. Their hearts were broken. To live apart was impossible. They exchanged vows in sorrow, then drowned themselves in two nearby lakes which now bear their names. Destiny wills that even in death, they are unable to unite. The imposing mountain seated between the two bodies of water acts as a guardian even as their spirits reach out for one another.
This act of desperation devastated the hostile clans of the Berber “Ait Haddidou” that parents of this tribe decided to grant their children the right to choose their own marriage partners.
To commemorate the tragic tale, we now celebrate the annual Berber Brides’ Festival of Imilchil, held high in the lake plateau of the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco. Each year in September after the harvest, from every corner of the Ait Haddidou domain, come young men and women in search of a mate.
The moussem or festival occurs near Imilchil, at the site of the burial place of Sidi Mohamed El Maghani, the patron saint of the Ait Haddidou. Legend has it that the marriages which were blessed by this holy man were happy and long-lasting, thus, the reason for the arduous trek to this isolated area.
Although this used to be an exclusive “family affair,” outsiders are now welcome to participate in the festivities. The affairs have now become an international attraction for tourists from all over the world.
In a 10-day tour, you will experience how romance is like in Morocco. Our package includes these routes:
- Casablanca / Rabat
- Rabat / Volubilis / Meknes / Fes
- Fes/ Azrou / Ksiba
- Imilchil
- Marrakech / Essaouira
- Essaouira / El Jadida / Casablanca
- Casablanca / Airport Mohamed V
There’s so much more to discover about Morocco. See for yourself! We can prepare a custom-designed tour just for you. For more information, do not hesitate to leave us a message at a time of your convenience.