Tbourida, derived from Baroud which means “gunpowder”, is an ancient equestrian art, dating from the 15th century. It is the reconstruction of a military assault by Arab and Berber horse warriors. In this article we will learn more about Tbourida: Morocco’s ancestral equestrian show.

From generation to generation, the Tbourida retains a strong cultural dimension, particularly because it is always associated with ceremonies and festivals, and also because it places the horse at the center of a breathtaking and impressive show.

La Tbourida dazzles the Moroccan as well as the international public. In addition to be associated with ceremonies it is associated with festivities like Moussems, agricultural festivals and numerous national and family festivals. Foreign cultures often call it “Fantasia”, a name of Latin origin, meaning entertainment.

Tbourida has been listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage since 2021 with women also now taking part in the competitions.

More about Tbourida

The parade of Tbourida is performed by a troop called “Sorba” which in general represents a region of the kingdom. This troop consists in an odd number of horse riders, usually between 11 and 15 member, but some times it can reach 25 horse rider per troop. The horse riders are lined up and in the middle of the “Sorba” stands the chief of the troop, called “Mokaddem”. The main role of the Mokaddem” is to coordinates the movements of the men and horses.

The show takes place in a track, called “Mahrak”, 150 to 200 meters long surrounded by stands for the public.

The riders’ outfit is traditional and regulatory:

• Homogeneous simple or embroidered caftans,
• Seroual: traditional pants,
• Selhams: large woolen capes,
• Rezza: turbans wrapped on the head,
• Tmagh: traditional equestrian boots,
• Dalil el khayrate: Quran contained in a small leather bag,
• Khenjer: dagger contained in its sheath.

Also, the horses are equipped with a high-quality harness, reflecting the artisanal know-how of Moroccan craftsmen.

A Tbourida show is made up of two main parts:

• La Hadda: salute and handling of weapons of the riders
• The Talqa: galloping race which ends with a strong and synchronous shot

The Tbourida is mainly performed by men troops, but there is many troops composed with women that performs in every Tbourida event in the kingdom of Morocco.

Attending the show

During the year there is multiple festivals and events that holds Tbourida shows. If you have the chance to attend that magnificent show, here is some tips.

The Tbourida parade ends with a huge explosion, especially if you happen to be watching the show from a place near the arrival line. If possible try to be immediately at the front of the horses for more spectacular view. The adrenaline shoots as the blast takes place, the smoke invades the air and the riders are quick in reining their horses to welcome the new explosion, this time of applause of the public.

Tbourida competitions

Tbourida competitions take place every year throughout Morocco. These competitions prioritize the talent of the riders and respect for the rules. Regional, then inter regional, competitions take place all year round, in all territories of Morocco. The final takes place at the Hassan II Trophy in Dar Essalam in Rabat, during horse week.

The competitions reward in particular the perfect alignment, the quality of the start, the behavior of the riders, the harnessing of the horses, the art in the execution of the gun game and the precision and simultaneity of the detonations.

Tbourida is an impressive exhibition that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent, either due to the beauty of the costumes, the ability of the riders, the supremacy of the horses or the power of the synchronized gunfire. A show not to be missed!