A festive atmosphere bringing heritage back to life
During Eid Al-Adha, towns and villages across Morocco’s Souss region take on a unique festive spirit with the revival of “Boujloud” or “Bilmawn,” one of the country’s oldest Amazigh cultural traditions. Young participants dress in sheep and goat skins, roaming streets and public squares in symbolic performances that captivate both locals and visitors.
Youth leading the preservation of cultural heritage
From the early hours of Eid day, participants gather animal hides and carefully transform them into traditional costumes used throughout the celebrations, which often last for several days. Over the years, the ritual has evolved from a rural custom into a major urban cultural event, supported by cultural associations and civil society groups working to preserve this folkloric heritage.
From ancestral ritual to cultural carnival
Anthropology researchers note that “Bilmawn” has undergone significant transformation, particularly in cities such as Agadir, Inezgane, Dcheira, and Aït Melloul, where young people and teenagers have become the driving force behind the celebrations. The ritual has gradually taken on a more artistic and creative dimension, contributing to the cultural and tourism scene in the region.
Efforts to organize and preserve the tradition
As the celebration continues to grow in popularity, local authorities and community organizations are stepping in to better organize the festivities and protect the symbolic essence of “Boujloud,” while reducing practices that may distort its cultural significance. Organizers ultimately aspire to transform the tradition into an internationally recognized cultural carnival showcasing the richness of Morocco’s Amazigh heritage.
