Rabat Hosts the 25th Edition of the Hassan II Prize for Traditional Equestrian Arts
This year, the capital city of Rabat is playing host to the 25th edition of the Hassan II Prize for Traditional Equestrian Arts, a prestigious event that has over the years become one of the foremost showcases of Morocco's equestrian heritage. The festivities are taking place at the Royal Dar Es Salam complex, gathering the finest Tbourida (fantasia) troupes from all corners of the kingdom.
Over several days, enthusiasts of this ancient art are treated to demonstrations that blend technical mastery, tradition, and spectacle. The competition features 24 sorbas divided into adult and youth categories, marking a quarter-century dedicated to the promotion and preservation of this emblematic discipline that is integral to Morocco's cultural identity.
A Living Heritage Passed Down Through Generations
More than just an equestrian competition, Tbourida represents a vibrant heritage deeply rooted in Morocco's history. On the track, riders dressed in their traditional costumes execute the various phases of the fantasia with precision, from the alignment of their steeds to the famous synchronized collective firing that concludes each performance. This practice requires extensive training and rigorous preparation. A perfect coordination among the riders, collective discipline, and a special bond with the horse lie at the heart of an art form that continues to pass down skills from generation to generation.
Tbourida also embodies values of social cohesion and solidarity. Each sorba represents a community, a region, and a local tradition, thereby contributing to the preservation of the richness of the Kingdom's intangible heritage.
The 25th edition of the Hassan II Prize comes at a time marked by the increasing international recognition of Tbourida. In 2021, this equestrian art was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, thereby affirming its historical and cultural significance.
This distinction has enhanced the visibility of Tbourida beyond national borders and helped introduce an international audience to a tradition that illustrates the deep connection between Morocco, the horse, and its rural heritage. In Rabat, the sound of gunfire, the galloping of horses, and the applause of the crowd serve as a reminder that Tbourida remains one of the most vibrant symbols of Moroccan culture— a legacy that, far from being static, continues to evolve and unite generations around a shared passion.
As reported by article19.ma.
