"It is the recognition of an Arab-Amazigh (Berber) civilizational heritage unique in the world", welcomed the permanent delegation of Morocco to Unesco in a tweet.
Morocco had officially submitted in 2019 the application file to inscribe the "tbourida", whose name in dialectal Arabic is derived from baroud which means gunpowder, on the list of intangible heritage of humanity.
Very popular in the countryside, this spectacular cavalry charge which ends with a synchronized firing of muskets is associated with the festivities of the kingdom, including during large weddings.
Thus, each year, thousands of enthusiastic spectators attend these grandiose shows during the horse show of El-Jadida (west), the most important equestrian festival in the country.
This equestrian tradition dates back to the 13th century.
The participating riders are united in troops called "sorbas".
Towns and villages have their own "sorbas" and tournaments.
Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage now has nearly 500 inscriptions.
© 2021 AFP