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Next to the Morocco Royal Tour, the venue also hosts the Salon du Cheval. Click here to learn more about it !
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What to Expect
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What to Expect 〰️
We joined the tour for its final leg in El Jadida, and this year was particularly special as we got to witness the show's very first five-star competition and World Cup debut. Between the incredible sport, the sunshine, the local culture and, above all, the people, we had such a wonderful time.
So, if you're thinking of making the trip (and honestly, you should!), here's our little guide to making the most of El Jadida and the Morocco Royal Tour.
All the fun of an indoor show, with the sunshine to go with it !
One of the things we love most about the Morocco Royal Tour is the weather. While the sun is shining outside and temperatures are lovely and warm during the day, the evenings cool down just enough to make a little jacket your best friend. No sweating in your show outfit, thank you very much!
And then there's the sport.
Every year, more and more riders choose to come to the Morocco Royal Tour to continue their season, and many stay for all three weeks of the circuit. It makes it particularly interesting to follow the horses' development and see how different combinations progress from one leg to the next.
And what a line-up we had this year! From some of the world's top riders to exciting rising stars we got to discover, there was so much talent to watch throughout the week.
This year was especially exciting for us, as we were lucky enough to attend the first-ever five-star competition at the show. And what a World Cup debut it was!
The atmosphere is something else.
We've been to our fair share of shows, but we've rarely experienced a crowd that quite literally seems to jump over every fence alongside the riders. And when a Moroccan rider enters the arena? It's something you really have to experience for yourself !
The entire stadium comes alive. It almost feels like a mixture between a football stadium and an Olympic kiss-and-cry, with everyone celebrating, holding their breath and sharing eeeeeevery emotion together.
And one thing we absolutely have to mention: the people.
Perhaps what made the biggest impression on us was just how welcoming everyone was. From the people working at the show to the locals we met along the way, everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful and generous. It genuinely made our experience, and it's something we'll remember long after the last show.
What to see
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What to see 〰️
If you fancy taking a break from the showjumping and getting a little taste of local culture, El Jadida has plenty to offer.
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First on our list would be a morning stroll along the Portuguese ramparts. They're absolutely beautiful, offer lovely views and are a wonderful way to discover a little of the city's history. And the best part? They're free to visit!
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Afterwards, make your way into the souk. We could honestly spend hours wandering around here. Think colourful spices, beautiful handmade pieces, little treasures and plenty of things you probably didn't know you needed until you saw them. It's also a lovely opportunity to experience everyday local life and pick up a few souvenirs.
One important tip: bring cash! You'll thank us later.
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Taking place alongside the Morocco Royal Tour, the Salon du Cheval is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're interested in the equestrian culture of Morocco.
You'll find all sorts of stands dedicated to horses, traditional equestrian equipment, local craftsmanship and the country's rich relationship with the horse. It's a lovely way to discover a side of the equestrian world that you might not be familiar with.
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If there's one thing we'd tell you to make time for, it's the Tbourida.
Also known as Fantasia, it's a traditional Moroccan equestrian art that dates back centuries and is actually recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
But what does it actually look like? Imagine groups of 15 to 25 riders, all dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, riding together in perfect formation before setting off at a full gallop and firing their rifles in unison. And yes, it really is as impressive as it sounds!
There's something quite extraordinary about watching it. The horses, the costumes, the precision, the sound… it's one of those experiences that gives you goosebumps and makes you appreciate just how deeply horses are woven into Moroccan culture.
It's a tradition that has been passed down through generations. So if you're visiting, make sure you don't miss it!
You can read a little more about its history on UNESCO's website.
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And then there's the spectacle… We're not going to spoil a thing, because this is something you really need to experience for yourself. But let's just say it's breathtaking.
Bringing together riders and horses from all over the world, it's a celebration of equestrian culture in all its forms. Every country and tradition gets its moment to shine, with performances that take you on a journey across different cultures and ways of celebrating the horse.
It's beautiful, it's moving, and it's unlike anything you'll see in a regular show arena. Our advice? Find yourself a seat, sit back and enjoy the show. We genuinely think it's an absolute must-see!
Where to stay
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Where to stay 〰️
One thing worth knowing is that the showground isn't particularly close to the main hotel areas, so you'll most likely need to drive or arrange a shuttle regardless of where you stay.
Our advice? Take the opportunity to make a little holiday out of it! Rather than focusing on finding a hotel right next to the show, look into staying in a beautiful riad and enjoy a little more of the Moroccan experience.
After a long day at the show, coming back to a lovely traditional setting is a pretty wonderful way to end the day.
Two hotels we can recommend:
- Hôtel Deauville El Jadida
- Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
Food
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Food 〰️
Good news: you certainly won't go hungry at the Morocco Royal Tour!
There are so many food options around the show, and we were genuinely impressed by the variety.
Fancy something grilled? There's a delicious grill spot. In the mood for a kebab? We normally wouldn't say we're the biggest kebab girls, but here's a little hot-girl tip: get it in a bowl. Trust us. The falafel is also delicious, and don't leave without trying the ginger lemonade!
Of course, if you're after something a little more traditional, you can also find some lovely tagines. And for those days when only a burger will do, there's a great burger truck too.
A little insider tip for riders and accredited guests:
Make sure you stop by the stand next to the warm-up ring. The brownie and banana bread are delicious, the salads and quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch, and the juices are not to be missed. Seriously, don't sleep on them!
Key Infos
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Key Infos 〰️
A few things we'd recommend keeping in mind before heading to El Jadida:
Bring cash! Particularly if you're planning to visit the souk or take local taxis.
Pack a little jacket. The days are lovely and warm, but evenings can get cooler.
Plan your transport. The showground isn't within easy walking distance of most hotels, so organise your transfers in advance. Some hotels have shuttles otherwise with a taxi or rental car you can easily make it there !
Make time for the culture. Take a morning off from the showjumping. The Salon du Cheval, Tbourida and the city itself are all worth exploring.
Talk to people! One of the best parts of visiting Morocco is how welcoming everyone is. Don't be afraid to ask questions, explore and experience a little more.