Colors of Casablanca - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The majority of the local people are followers of the Muslim religion, so their religious customs and traditions are reflected in all aspects of local life. Travellers should remember several important rules that must be followed by all visitors. Tourists, who want to go for a walk outside and visit popular tourist areas, should choose their clothes carefully. First of all this concerns the fair sex. Short skirts, shirts and dresses with short sleeves will not be suitable for a walk in the city. Visitors are recommended to choose a loose long-sleeved blouse, and a skirt or pants below the knee. Such clothes will be accepted by local people with tolerance, despite the fact that it is very different from the national costume. Men are also not recommended to wear short sleeve shirts and shorts for a walk. This look is considered unseemly in the city. When it comes to tourist zones, there are no strict rules in hotels and public beaches, so feel free to relax and wear an ordinary bathing suit on the beach.

Locals are very hospitable and friendly. Even a seller in an ordinary shop can treat visitors with a cup of tea or coffee. Make sure you do not reject such proposals, because your refusal can hurt a host. Many travellers say that locals seem to be rather curious. They can ask many questions concerning your work, social and material status during a conversation.

All the questions should be answered politely and with some restraint. It’s better to consider them not as a usual curiosity, but as a natural desire to know more interesting information about a new companion. While walking through the streets of Casablanca, vacationers can meet the so-called "guides" - locals who offer guide services to travellers. It should be noted that the services of these guides will be much more expensive than the services of official representatives of travel agencies. Therefore, it’s better to refuse these obsessive offers politely, but if there is a need to ask locals for help, than you should definitely leave a reward for any help they provide. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

We simply cannot fail to mention the reserved attitude of local people to alcohol. Drinking alcohol is accepted in specially designated areas only, and appearance on the street is a drunken state can be a serious reason for complaint. During the holy month of Ramadan, the sale of alcoholic drinks can be suspended in many restaurants and shops.

However, local people know how to have fun. They simply do it in a more restrained manner. Tourists can see true merriment during all kinds of festivals and events that regularly take place in the city. Casa Festival is one of these events. It starts in the middle of July and lasts approximately one week. This is the time when Espace Toro cultural center becomes the location of musical and dancing performances, stand-up contests, and theatrical shows. Every day opens up something new, and organizers of the festival do their best to amaze visitors. To tell the truth, they definitely succeed in doing this. Among participants of the festival, there are local artists and foreign performers.

Jazzablanca is another popular festival in Casablanca that attracts both locals and tourists. As it is not hard to guess, this festival is dedicated to jazz and similar music genres (blues, funk, soul, R’n’B). The festival takes place at the beginning of April and has the unchanging venue — L’Hippodrome Casa-Anfa. Visitors can listen to modern versions of classical hits and newest songs by famous musicians from different parts of the world. A visit to this festival is an excellent opportunity to enjoy quality music and get positive emotions that are impossible to forget. Besides an extensive music program, the festival’s schedule includes special events for children. Not far from the concert venue, there are always theatrical performances and interesting shows that are also very interesting to watch.

A no less interesting event in Casablanca, the International Video Art Festival is held at the end of the second spring’s month. This popular event is all about different forms of modern art: installations, paintings, performances, web-design, even poetry. All kinds of art are welcome as the festival has one primary goal – to keep visitors excited. The International Video Art Festival has a new theme every year, and all participants need to offer works that are in line with this theme. This is a perfect event for everyone who feels the lack of inspiration. It is incredibly easy to find new and fresh ideas at the International Video Art Festival or share own ideas with visitors and other participants. The festival takes place in numerous cultural establishments of the city including bars, clubs, museums, and concert venues.

In the middle of September, the city hosts Le Boulevard des Jeunes Musiciens. This popular event is held at Fabrique Culturelle des Anciens Abattoirs and Stade du COC Stadium. The festival is made in the form of a contest, so international stars and local performers complete for a right to be called best musicians. A visit to this event is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with not only local cultures but also the cultures of other countries. The last but not the least, Rallye Maroc Classic is a famous event that is held in mid-March. This is one more wonderful event in the event calendar of the city. Besides that, this is an excellent opportunity to cheer up favorite contestants and watch retro car racing. Of course, this is a rare chance to see rare vehicles and a true pleasure for all fans of sport or cars.