It has been compared to a medieval joust and the ceremony in Morocco known as fantasia or lab Al baroud – the gunpowder play – is certainly as exciting and as old.
For centuries the traditional display of horsemanship has been a feature of festivals and weddings among the Berber people and in the Maghreb.
It fascinated the first western visitors to see it in the 19th century, including the French Romantic painter Eugene Delacroix who used it as the centrepiece of one of his canvases, thinking it was a military exercise.
In fact, the fantasia is representation of the bond between horse and man – or women, with some having taken up the tradition in recent years.
Even when performed as a tourist attraction, lab Al baroud loses none of its power.
A group of riders, or serba, in elaborate costumes gallop in a straight line, brandishing muskets known as moukahla. At the heart of the performance is a synchronised firing of guns, which makes it sound as if a single shot has been fired.
The Barb horses ridden in the ceremony are known for speed, agility and hardiness – and also for their fiery temperament and courage in battle.
This week there is no need to travel to Morocco to witness the fantasia, with performances one of the highlights of the Moroccan heritage week show that opens in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
The event is part of celebrations for the 44th National Day and is jointly sponsored by Sheikh Khalifa, the President, and King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Activities and events at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will showcase Morocco’s history, traditional music, arts, handicrafts, cuisine and fashions while equestrian events will take place at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Shakbout bin Sultan Street.
Times of performances were not available at the time of publication.
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