Essaouira Celebrates Birth of Princess Lalla Khadija

Essaouira Celebrates Birth of Princess Lalla Khadija

On Wednesday, February 28 the wife of Moroccan King Mohamed VI gave birth to a girl. The baby, named Princess Lalla Khadija, is the couple's second child. Crown Prince Moulay Hassan was born in May 2003.

A salute of 21 cannon shots boomed across central Rabat shortly after 8 p.m. to announce the birth.

Following Moroccan tradition, the entire county  celebrated her birth exactly one week later. Essaouira's festivities included a parade, a beach fantasia and a concert in the place Moulay Hassan.

I was also in Essaouira for the festival following the birth of Crown Prince Moulay Hassan. His birth is a flashbulb memory for me. It occured when I was on a long CTM/Eurolines bus ride from Paris to Marrakesh. We had a nice ride through Tours, Bordeaux, Madrid, Granada and Algeciras. Then we boarded the ferry and crossed the straights of Gibraltar before entering Morocco at Tangier.

On this particular trip the driver decided to stop at a cafe just outside of Tangier. When we got off the bus I went over to the counter and ordered some kefta brochettes. I was starving. After I ordered, I looked up and noticed a baby being held by pretty lady, she looked familiar, wait, that's the king standing next to her! The king has had a son! Everyone in the cafe cheered and we all drank to the health of the Crown Prince.

In Essaouira both festivals began with a parade that started near the Fanatic Cafe, went down the beach road and ended the Place Moulay Hassan. All children were dressed in their best and waved flags and portraits of the King.

Next came the beach Fantasia. This year there were over 100 riders displaying their horsemanship and skilled use of traditional arms. The horses and riders wore Berber riding outfits that haven't changed for centuries. The highlight was when the different tribes gathered down the beach and then charged the seawall at a full gallop. Just before reaching the wall they came to a swift halt and discharged their rifles to the delight of the crowd lined up down the boardwalk.

The day ended with a concert in the Place Moulay Hassan. The concert started at 7:30PM and the place was full by 8PM. All three bands were local Gnaoua groups and each one showcased a different style. My favorite was the first band that was quite Sufi and horns instead of the traditional guembri.

It was a fantastic day and all the city was in great spirits welcoming and wishing Princess Lalla Khadija a long and prosperous life.

Other News: There is rumor, to my dismay, that the construction next to the Afrique Station will not be a Superstore but an Ibis Hotel. I really would rather have a superstore, but the general consensus in town is that it would put too many small specialty shops out of business.

The dates and program for the Alizes Spring Classical Music Festival have been posted at the Dar Souiri. It will be held April 19 -22 and features musicians from around the world. For all information go to the offical websight at: http://www.alizesfestival.com/

Unbelievably, after 3 years of searching, I have actually purchased an apartment in Essaouira. This may seem like no great feat, but believe me, this process was one never ending series of humorous complications. In a few weeks I will publish the story and I hope you are amused too....

Weather - Excellent warm weather forcasted for the next week. No wind in the morning for surfers and nice wind in the afternoon for Wind and Kite surfers.

Check the surf in Essaouira:

http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=26

Check the Weather in Essaouira:

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=essaouira

Next Week: Essaouira Nightlife

Current Events:

The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition «Corps et signes» by Mustapha Rafik - from March 2 to the 24th. For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at:

http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28

The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki.

Upcoming Events

The Alizes Classical Music Festival 2007 April 19 -22. I was at this festival last year and it was really fantastic. For all information go to the offical websight at: http://www.alizesfestival.com/

10th Annual Essaouira International Gnaoua Festival 2007 June 19 - 23. For all information go to the offical websight at: http://www.festival-gnaoua.co.ma/

Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon!