volunteer in morocco

[pslide] [item url="http://volunteer-in-morocco.blogspot.com/search/label/discovercasablanca" src="http://cdn.pinknews.co.uk/images/2015/09/western-15.jpg" title="Discover Casablanca"]Casablanca is the economical capital of morocco, where tradition meets modernism, where the activity never stops, the greatest example is (Morocco Mall), the biggest mall in all Africa, a giant mall where you can find international brands, fast foods, and at the same time a traditional souk, and the enormous mosque standing partly over water, with a mesmerizing architecture. [/item] [item url="http://volunteer-in-morocco.blogspot.com/search/label/Moroccanculture" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9o4tcFA9GNe14_il5-RYlHILbNZH0nUhDCzgtRq2b4ZBTZhHQhczhpLIEQg3KIlzDsgl5msuAPC1R79Vj7qwpYJD5DnM4IDRWpAOcWne9kn7WF2Q2IHGvPSRkzADd9ps5LXImKivhik/s1600/culturemorocco.jpg" title="Moroccan Culture"]Moroccan people are among the most hospitable people in the world. They are warm, open and make fast friends with everyone. It is not unlikely to receive an invitation to their home just moments after you meet them. However, Moroccans, like all other people have their customs and taboos. It is good to know how to interact with them and follow proper etiquette while moving about the country. [/item] [item url="http://volunteer-in-morocco.blogspot.com/search/label/ourproject" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULZBZDCLE9Gv76EUEQWDB44Rki5r31HPeis7cQFtwO0uU7cp_ERhFKpB2HuIp7yu_Zt0kjrTdK-ReFWQbprRwXbX8laFduEHuMhPGrApT0gqJQFsb9nSrik3YlICkgY7KYRrBPlJKBVk/s1600/2016-04-11_00-57-04.png" title="Our Projects"]“IDMAJ” is one project that gives you 5 choices and you have to choose at least one field where you can work (More details in the Job description part):[/item] [item url="http://volunteer-in-morocco.blogspot.com/p/morocco-north-african-country-bordering.html" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBjd8xTBAH9zuH08jKw7STeh1Vf1r3m7YU_ET_EheQSxg1QIqHtg9GaK4Lo4Y1UYSXCuaGraRbhIzeeCnxorLMTsV_A5pda-sTqga3xb3NB6srDl1Yh82w9HOfOZJUsxA-JV0Dje8iDE/s1600/2016-04-11_00-34-30.png" title="About Morocco"]SMorocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences.[/item] [item url="http://volunteer-in-morocco.blogspot.com/p/contact.html" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBAn4ctu4AgrmWWi4fS4UcU-clZeKOqHxHnwGQC0Yk4KfGQIu2DsJom4IfR4xTxBvR-4k6t3iOHCUeIz8skVjTJVX0MeG-5H6Ve_gQh90w_PzoFAGagelQhyphenhyphenO2YrJieLqELimVFzooPk/s1600/2016-04-11_00-39-27.png" title="Contact us"]VP IGCDP Nabila KIRAM Nabila.kiram@aiesec.net[/item] [/pslide]

About Morocco

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences.

Morocco is a country with a multiethnic society and a rich culture, civilization, and etiquette. Throughout Moroccan History, Morocco has hosted many peoples. Each region possesses its own uniqueness, contributing to the national culture. Morocco has set among its top priorities, the protection of its diversity, and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Celebrations in Morocco

For the most part, the celebrations are a lot of fun and visiting during one of them can greatly enhance your trip to the country.

January

New Years Day - Western Celebration
Independence Celebration (1 of 5 during the year) Secular

February

Tafraoute - End of the winter rains.
Aid Al Adha / A'd el-Khebir - Commemoration of Abrahams sacrifice

March & April

Beni Mellal - Cotton harvest moussem
Fatih Mouharam - Islamic New Years
Ashura - Day of tithing
Aid el Arch - The coronation of King Mohammed VI

May

Moulay Bousselham - Moussem of Sidi Ahmed Ben Mansour
Berkane - Harvest moussem for clementines
El Kelia des Mgouna - Rose festival to celebrate the new crops
Labor Day - May 1
Id el Mouloud - Prophet Mohammed's birthday
Ben Aissa Moussem - the largest of all moussems which includes amazing displays of fantasia, glass swallowing, etc.

June

Music Festival - Held in Fez. Musicians from all around the world join in this festival
Independence Day - A week long oceanside festival/party
Goulimine - traditionally a fair for camel traders
Tan Tan - Moussem of Sidi Mohammed Ma el Ainin. Guedra dance may be performed at this festival.
Gnaoua Festival - Music Festival

July

Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival - Traditional Moroccan folklore
Tetouan - Moussem of Moulay Abdessalem which is celebrated very religiously in great splendor and ceremony.
Sefrou - Festival of the cherry harvest
Al Hoceima - festival of the sea harvest
Celebration of the Throne - Parades and fireworks - 30 July

August

Asilah Arts Festival - Exposure for local artists
Celebration of the Young - August 21
Setti Fatma - Popular moussem held in the Ourika valley
Sefrou - Moussem of Sidi Lahcen el Youssi
El Jadida - Moussem of Moulay Abdallah. It features fantasias.
Tiznit - Moussem of Sidi Ahmed ou Moussa. This is principally a religious festival.
Immouzer du Kandar - a moussem for harvesting apples and pears.
Immouzer des Ida Outanane - a honey moussem which last about a week.

September

Chefchaouen - Moussem of Sidi Allal al Hadh.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun - Moussem of Moulay Idriss, the patron saint of Fez, which is the biggest religious moussem.
Imilchil - a marriage festival in the Atlas mountains (see marriage customs)also a showcase for traditional costumes

October

The Date Festival - Held in Erfoud

November

Ramadan - month of fasting
Independence Day - Nov 18
Eid al Fitr - Endof Ramadan
Erfoud - a harvest festival

December

Rafsae - olive harvest festival
Hajj Day - Dec 31

Traditional Dishes in Morocco

Morocco has a number of traditional dishes which are famous inside as well as outside Morocco. While you may have already heard of couscous and chicken bastilla, there are plenty of other classic recipes which help define Moroccan food as one of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world.

Don’t leave Morocco without trying

Bisteeya

A triple layered savory pastry: A layer of chicken is covered with a layer of eggs and a lemony-onion sauce and then topped with a layer of crushed almonds. Everything is wrapped in phyllo pastry and delicately covered with cinnamon and sugar.

Harira Soup

This traditionally Berber soup is usually served during the holy festival month of Ramadan. Also great for cold weather!

Mechoui

This roasted lamb dish is a great favorite! A paprika and cumin spice combination is pasted over the lamb and then it's slowly cooked for about three hours. Generally seasoned with cumin & salt.

The following spices are commonly used in Moroccan cuisine:

Cinnamon
Cumin
Turmeric
Ginger
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika
Aniseed
Sesame Seed
Black Pepper
Parsley
Green Coriander
Marjoram
Grey Verbena
Mint
Fragrant Waters
Basil
Onions
Lemons
Garlic
Eggs
Honey
Couscous
Chick Peas
Bread
Olives
Buttermilk

Casablanca

Casablanca is the greatest city in Morocco with a inhabitants of over three million and it is house to more than 10% of all Moroccans. tremendously to a few, Casablanca will not be a Mediterranean city, but instead is positioned in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The identify “Casablanca” is of Portuguese foundation, which means “white house”. Portugal’s affect on town began within the 15th century. the original contract, often called Anfa, used to be attacked and occupied by using Portugal in 1468 on the pretext of eliminating pirates who have been the use of the port as a base from which to bother Portuguese transport. Casablanca thrived underneath Portuguese rule unless the good 1755 Earthquake destroyed town, as well as Lisbon, the capitol of Portugal. It used to be no longer except the end of the 18th century that Moroccan chief Sidi Mohammed III reconstructed the town. despite the fact that identified in Arabic as Dar el Beida, it still retained the title Casablanca - both phrases meaning White house in English.

Casablanca’s strategic vicinity has made it Morocco’s biggest port and the u . s . a .’s economic capitol. It has been known as the gateway to North Africa, and as such attracted hobby from the most important European powers in the early twentieth century. through 1910, France had established itself in Morocco as the primary authority, with the Moroccan sultan a mere figurehead. Casablanca, very like its neighbor Tangier, become a hub of intrigue and espionage within the late Nineteen Thirties and the early years of World war II. Such was once the environment for one of the most finest movies of all time, the eponymous “Casablanca” made in 1942 and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

within the film Casablanca, Bogart’s personality, Rick Blaine, is an American expatriate who owns a Casablanca nightclub where marketers, refugees, Nazis, Vichy French and Free French come to satisfy, greet and gamble amid the chaos of the struggle. no longer so much, if any, of Casablanca’s famed scenery is featured, unfortunately, which is simply too unhealthy as the town then and now's fashionable for its beauty. brand new landmarks and tourist points of interest include the sizeable Hassan II Mosque with its significant glass ground, the art Deco influenced New city (Ville Nouvelle) and the outdated Medina or old town, at the moment present process renovations. this is not, to my knowledge, a “Rick’s Café” in Casablanca, however I’m sure it might be a popular stop will have to any person come to a decision to build one!

Discover Casablanca

Casablanca is the economical capital of morocco, where tradition meets modernism, where the activity never stops, the greatest example is (Morocco Mall), the biggest mall in all Africa, a giant mall where you can find international brands, fast foods, and at the same time a traditional souk, and the enormous mosque standing partly over water, with a mesmerizing architecture.

Casablanca was once established as a town in 1906 with a inhabitants of 20 000. Later in 1907 when the French landed right here, Fez used to be its industrial middle at the same time as Tangier was set up as the town's primary harbor. The French have been quickly ousted, however, and needed to seek a new port altogether and Tangier remained Moroccan. things have changed so much given that then. With a inhabitants of over 3 million, Casablanca resembles a Southern European city. nowadays all duties are treated right here aside from for administration.

Transport

Petits Taxis are everywhere and also you would not have problem in catching one. The bus services are quite efficient too. if you're hiring a automobile in Casa, keep in mind that the site visitors can frequently be a nightmare and it does not take a lot to reach gridlock. avoid using if at all that you can think of.

lodging

there are plenty of resorts in and round Casa. drawback is they're nearly all the time full, so closing minute bookings are out of the query. Go to accommodations, luxury lodges, self-catering, villas and apartments & studios for further accommodation knowledge.

beaches

guests can take a bus to Ain Diab, a small seaside aspect suburb. proper, it might not be the cleanest of beaches, but it nonetheless attracts a huge crowd each day. It also need to be said that the crowds are principally drawn right here as a result of the quite a lot of beach clubs. These clubs each have saltwater pools, restaurants and cafes. go searching a bit of and if your pockets can handle it, you can discover a more expensive beach membership with tennis & volleyball courts and even a disco.

eating places

regardless of the dimension of your budget, you will see that a superb situation to enjoy a meal in Casa. typically well-known as the perfect location to eat when in Morocco, Casablanca has a big variety of conventional, seafood and take-away eateries. are attempting making a flip via 'Stella'. This ice-cream parlor will have 30 totally different flavors at any one time to be had for your trying out.

Bars & Nightclubs

unfortunately Casa's nightclub offerings are fairly meager. For a quiet drink at a bar, your easiest bet is most certainly your hotel's bar. There are a number of semi-respectable discos in Casa and they get going around 11pm and stay open except 3am.

issues to see & Do

Rialto Cinema
this beautiful art Deco cinema palace was constructed in 1930. catch a film and benefit from the architecture too.

Cathedral of Sacre C'ur
This cathedral has a fresh design that features many conventional Moroccan types. previously it used to be used as a school after which a tradition heart. Now however, at the same time as the exterior holds its visible attraction, the internal has succumbed to entropy.

Villa des Arts
This artwork Deco exhibition heart houses many lovely contemporary art items.

Getting around

CTM has buses working constantly in and around the city. Grands Taxis are quick and regularly reasonably simple to capture. Your best possible guess for a train is at the Casa Port station or the Casa Voyageurs station.

Moroccan Arts and Culture

the just about medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most vacationers a world faraway from their own cities and cities. The tradition and individuals are usually so completely totally different from what they recognize that they regularly in finding themselves in situations to which they have no thought tips on how to react. the next brief rationalization of Moroccan art and culture is designed that can assist you get probably the most out of your stay on this wonderful country.

art

The art of this country is really different. Many historical examples are on show on the native museums. extra up to date examples are on show at artwork galleries and in souks. watch out for low-cost imitations though!

there are such a lot of totally different ways in which the folks express themselves – in carpets, apparel, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, portray, carving, and calligraphy. They even dangle a world art competition yearly to exhibit all their ability. for those who ever have the opportunity to discuss with this usa, you should believe buying one of the local paintings. now not handiest will it will give you a little memento of your shuttle, however it's going to lend a hand out the native people who find themselves usually reasonably bad.

culture

Souks are a way of life in Morocco and also you on a regular basis wont have to head a long way to seek out one. you can frequently get excellent bargains here, but remember that most Moroccans can have a lot more experience than you are going to when it comes to haggling the associated fee so you will seldom in finding your self in a position to get higher than that which is obtainable.

you may also in finding, if you are friendly and courteous sufficient, that you will quickly start to make friends with the locals. If this occurs and you're invited to a meal, it's just right to remember probably the most native customs. as an example, you are going to regularly take off your shoes when entering a home. that you can observe your host’s example in this regard. additionally it is a good idea to take a present of some kind with. in case you are in a home within the city you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. if you're within the county it will be higher to buy a reside chicken for the household which is prone to now not be quite so smartly off. a house invitation is most likely the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the palms. if you are invited to join somebody for a meal, you will have to all the time consume with the best hand as the left is supposed for use for the bathroom.

Any plans to seek advice from mosques will usually meet with failure as these are thought to be to be very holy locations that simplest Muslims are allowed access to. though this is allowed in different elements of the arena, the closest you will probably get to the within of a mosque in Morocco is in the event you visit some ruins or disused mosques corresponding to Tin Mal and Smara. Most other monuments are on view to the public for a price and which you can also have a look at certain celebrations such as the Imichal marriage ceremony truthful.

When taking images of the native folks, it might be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photo of any person with no their permission – particularly in rural areas – can cause offense. this will result in them anxious money from you – even if you most effective intended to take a scenic shot of something. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have turn out to be pleasant with is usually very welcome. continuously folks with whom you’ve transform acquainted will take you to a place the place they are able to get a picture fascinated by you for themselves. You should no longer be unfriendly about this as it usually does no longer end in you buying the picture or from now on harassment.

traditionally the lads take to the streets and the women are in keep an eye on of their houses. because of this you are going to not continuously to find woman in cafés or restaurants. in case you are a lady and you strike up a friendship, you will likely be invited to the person’s dwelling or to a hamman (bath) for further affiliation. on the other hand, if you're a man or a person and lady touring together, you're going to seemingly be invited right into a café for some tea or a meal.

in general, Moroccan culture can also be an exiting and worldly experience. The individuals are friendly and the location is colorful. Hospitality is actually a part of their culture so that you would be able to strike up friendships just about anyplace if you have the right perspective. regularly this results in additional affiliation with these dynamic and fascinating individuals and an actual style of Moroccan lifestyles.