On our way to a friend’s house in Ain Atiq, we happened upon a fantasia. It was a competitive tournament, not a regular tourist attraction, so I felt lucky that we were able to witness it.

The horses were beautiful. I love the tassle under this one’s chin.

The gun shots were loud and frightening. No, that isn’t colored smoke. Its fire.

The riders stopped directly in front of the tent at the end of the field. Sometimes they fired their guns, sometimes they didn’t.

The tent was filled with male spectators. I bet they came early in the day to get the best seats.

The riders had a chivalrous air. One even posed for me.

Of course, I was interested in the tents set-up around the festival. They looked like portable hotel rooms. Each one was prepared for serving tea.

Some tents had sofas inside, others had only pillows. This one has an ocean view.

I wish I knew more about the symbols that decorated the exteriors of the tent. Were they equvilants to male and female signs for bathrooms? Tribal markings? Mere ornament? I just don’t know. I found a website that offers Moroccan tents for sale or for partys and events. They site includes information about the symbolism of the interior colors (red=power, green=religion, gold=wealth), and notes that the exterior symbols in black are representative of minarets and symbolize freedom and happiness.

Do you know something more about the symbolism of Moroccan tents? If so, please share by leaving a comment.

For more photos of the fantasia, visit my flickr photostream.