Moussem of TanTan

The Moussem of Tan-Tan in southwest Morocco is a yearly gathering of nomadic people from the Sahara, bringing together over thirty tribes from southern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa. Originally held in May, these gatherings were a vital part of the nomads’ agricultural and herding calendar, providing an opportunity to come together, trade food and goods, organize competitions, celebrate weddings, and seek herbal remedies. The Moussem also featured cultural expressions like music, chanting, games, poetry contests, and other oral traditions.

The first Moussem of Tan-Tan in 1963 formalized these gatherings as an annual fair, serving economic, cultural, and social functions. It was initially associated with Mohamed Laghdaf, a figure who resisted the Franco-Spanish occupation. However, from 1979 to 2004, security issues in the region prevented the Moussem from taking place.

Today, the nomadic populations are striving to preserve their way of life, which has been impacted by economic and technical changes, leading many to settle. Urbanization and rural migration have also contributed to the loss of traditional aspects such as crafts and poetry. The revitalized Moussem of Tan-Tan is crucial for these communities in safeguarding their knowledge and traditions from these threats.

Getting There

If you’re traveling internationally, the most straightforward way to reach Tan Tan is to fly to Casablanca and take a domestic flight. The Royal Air Maroc flight from Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca,to Tan Tan is about three hours and may include a technical stop. It’s not worth taking an internal flight from elsewhere in Morocco, even from cities closer to Tan Tan like Laayoune and Marrakech, because flights are routed through Casablanca.

If you’re coming from Marrakech, a bus ride of roughly ten to eleven hours will get you to Tan Tan. CTM and Supratours offer air-conditioned buses that ply the route into the Sahara several times a day. The route isn’t scenic; it’s mostly flat and dry desert. To save daylight hours consider taking the latest bus from Marrakesh and arriving in Tan Tan for morning. Arriving in Tan Tan in the middle of the night is not advisable as there are limited tourist facilities. The majority of people on the bus are likely continuing south to Laayoune, so make sure you tell the driver that you need to get off at Tan Tan.

If you find yourself stuck in Tan Tan without onward transport, hire a grand taxi to Guelmime and seek onward transport there.