The Atlas Mountains: A Home to Traditional Games
The Atlas Mountains located in Morocco is a popular tourist destination among adventure seekers, hikers, and explorers. The mountains range through several countries, including Morocco, Western Sahara, and Algeria with its highest peak, Toubkal, standing tall at 4,167 meters.
The Significance of Traditional Games in Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains not only offer spectacular views but are also rich in culture and tradition. The inhabitants of this region have a unique way of preserving their culture, one of which is through traditional games. These games represent the social aspects of the life of locals and offer a fantastic opportunity to learn about their traditions and history.
A Look into Traditional Games of Atlas Mountains
One of the most popular games and a cultural cornerstone of Atlas Mountains is Tamura. Tamura is a traditional ball game mostly played by teenage boys in which two opposing teams aim to score a goal in a two-meter hole on each side of the playing field. Another popular game is Ayouliwin, a rope game played by two competing teams. Participants attempt to pull the other side over a marked line using a braided rope while making traditional songs.
Preserving the Culture through Traditional Games
The popularity of modern sports like football, basketball, and rugby has diminished the presence of traditional games, making them less known to the next generation. However, the government has initiated several programs to create awareness and promote the preservation of traditional sports like Tbourida, a horse riding game, in which riders of each team race to a marked endpoint while firing muskets in the sky to represent their pride.
A Tourist’s Guide to Traditional Games of Atlas Mountains
Do you want to explore and experience the traditional games of Atlas Mountains? Then be sure to book a tour package that includes a visit to the local villages, and you will find locals more than willing to teach you these games. You can also attend annual events like the Moussem of Tan Tan, an annual festival held in ancient town Tan Tan, where locals gather to display their customs, including traditional games.
