The El Jadida Horse Show is gearing up for a highly anticipated edition, with the King Mohammed VI Grand Prix of Tbourida already set as one of the key highlights of Morocco’s cultural calendar.
El Jadida Horse Show, a showcase for Tbourida
For its 17th edition, the El Jadida Horse Show is placing Tbourida at the heart of its programme. Over five days, the best sorbas from across the Kingdom will compete in an event that celebrates both equestrian excellence and a centuries-old heritage.
Also known as fantasia, Tbourida combines horsemanship, precision in movement and perfect rider synchronisation. Each performance features a line of horses launched at full gallop, followed by a collective gunpowder discharge that must be perfectly simultaneous.
For Moroccans living abroad, the El Jadida Horse Show is increasingly becoming a reference point in the year, helping them plan a trip home around an event that blends tradition, spectacle and family time.
A heritage recognised by UNESCO
Far beyond a simple equestrian show, Tbourida is a living expression of Moroccan cultural identity. In 2021, it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, confirming its importance and boosting its reach beyond Morocco’s borders.
The King Mohammed VI Grand Prix of Tbourida offers a prestigious setting for this tradition. It highlights the work of riders, moqaddems and breeders, but also the art of costume, tack and staging.
For families in the Moroccan diaspora, attending such a competition is often a unique opportunity to pass on cultural references directly to children born or raised abroad.
A highly codified competition and a popular show
During the five days of competition, the sorbas are assessed according to strict criteria. The judges consider:
- rider alignment and harmony of the gallop,
- synchronisation of movements,
- accuracy of the gunpowder discharge,
- quality of outfits and harnesses,
- horse control and group cohesion.
Each run showcases the collective work and trust-based relationship between riders and their horses. The different rounds lead to a much-anticipated final, which crowns the top-performing sorbas of this 17th this case.
This sequence is consistently one of the most spectacular moments of the Show, attracting visitors from across Morocco and from abroad.
A useful landmark for planning trips to Morocco
Beyond the competition itself, the programme includes Tbourida exhibitions open to visitors on Sunday 18 October. These demonstrations extend the immersion in Morocco’s equestrian universe, in a festive yet educational spirit.
For Moroccans abroad, this kind of event can serve as a cornerstone for an autumn trip home, allowing them to combine:
- discovery or rediscovery of equestrian heritage,
- family visits in the El Jadida and Casablanca regions,
- administrative or banking appointments,
- prospecting for rural or tourism opportunities.
At the same time, visitors can use their stay to move forward with practical procedures. Useful resources are available on the official portal for Moroccans living abroad, as well as in Canal212’s guide to key procedures for MREs, which is worth reading before travelling.
Blending spectacle, heritage and reunions, the this issue is confirming its role as a meeting point between Morocco and its citizens around the world.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
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