cultura Introducción

Moroccan culture is unique blend of African, Muslim and European. It?s an ancient culture that?s slowly embracing modern western values. The women are still treated very much in the Muslim style, but this is slowly changing because of increasing European influence.

This is a completely different culture to what you?d find in Europe. Although, initially the people might seem hard to get to know, if you?re open minded, friendly and courteous you?ll soon start to make friends with the locals.

You might even be invited in for a meal. If this happens, it?s a good idea to respect the local customs?you are normally expected to take your shoes off before entering a Moroccan house. Also, bringing a gift will is considered normal and is always a nice gesture anyway.

In the city, people often bring some kind of pastries or sugar as gifts, whereas in the countryside, they often bring a live chicken as a gift.

Being invited into a Moroccan persons home is one of the most authentic ways to sample real Moroccan cuisine. In Morocco they eat with their hands. This is perfectly normal here. You must eat only with your right hand though, as the left hand should be used for the toilet.

Unfortunately, most visitors are not allowed into the mosques, so don?t bother trying. Moroccan mosques are considered very holy places and only Muslims are allowed have access to them. Strangely, in other parts of the world entering a mosque is not normally a problem. Having said that, you can always mosques that are disused or are in ruin like Tin Mal and Smara.

Apart from the mosques, most other monuments are open to the general public. There?s usually a small entry fee.

Although, Morocco is a very religious country, culturally speaking, it?s considered to be the least Arabic amongst other Arab countries. Most of the population are in fact, of Berber origin.
Introduccion