Tbourida

Tbourida, often called fantasia by outsiders after a Delacroix painting, is a performance by a sorba - a troupe of between about fifteen and twenty-five riders led by a moqaddem - who line up abreast, charge at full gallop down a track holding formation, and at a signal from the leader raise long-barrelled muskets and fire them simultaneously. The judging is on unison: the line must stay level, the horses must finish together, and the shots must sound as one report rather than a ragged volley, and a single early or late shot loses the run. The dress, saddlery and weapons are elaborate and often family heirlooms. It descends from cavalry practice and is now performed at moussems, agricultural fairs and dedicated competitions, with women's sorbas competing since the 2000s. It was inscribed on the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2021.

What you actually see

• A line charging abreast - fifteen to twenty-five riders holding formation at full gallop.
• One report - muskets fired simultaneously, with a ragged volley counted as failure.
• Judging on unison - level line and simultaneous finish rather than speed.
• A 2021 UNESCO inscription - listed as intangible cultural heritage.

When to go

Spring to autumn at moussems; October for the El Jadida horse show. An afternoon.

Honest expectations

It is loud - black powder at close range, and unsuitable for anyone sensitive to noise. Dust is heavy on the track. Runs are short and separated by long waits. Standing too close to the finish line is genuinely unsafe.

Nearby

The Salon du Cheval at El Jadida is the largest fixed event.