The art of falconry has been passed down from generation to generation in the small village of Lakouassem, the only one in Morocco to practice this discipline. The Kouassem tribe's great passion for falcon hunting dates back to their ancestor Ali Ben Abou Al Kassem. Their expertise in breeding and training these birds of prey has earned the clan a reputation throughout the kingdom.
Centuries of falconry
Declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, falconry is an ancestral practice, originally a leisure activity practiced by tribal chiefs. Today, more than eighty countries around the world practice this art, and people come to the village of Lakouassem from the Arabian Peninsula to admire the falconers performing or to learn the art. Fans will certainly shudder at the breathtaking sight of a falcon slicing through the air to swoop down on its prey.
A festival dedicated
Every year, the Falconers Festival, organized by the Provincial Association of Cultural Affairs of the city of El-Jadida, in partnership with the Regional Directorate of Culture in Doukkala-Abda and the rural commune of Zaouiat Lakouassem, is held from May 29 to 31. European and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar participate alongside their Moroccan hosts in perpetuating this tradition. The event features conferences on falconry, shows featuring falcon hunting with traditional music, exhibitions, including local products and hunting tools, competitions, and musical evenings featuring folk troupes. A fantasia brings together several hundred riders and is the highlight of the show. In addition to the festivities, the festival aims to preserve this centuries-old tradition and rehabilitate its spirit.
