The Moroccan Fantasia

Morocco was always renowned to be a nation of tough fighters, with a long history of wars and conquests. 

Those tough and experimented warriors had invented a military art mixing the equestrian, bravery, firearms, which is called “Fantasia”.

The Fantasia which is also called in Moroccan Arabic “Tbourida” is derived from the word “Baroud” which means in English “Gunpowder”, it’s an ancient art in the equestrian world, dating back to the 15th century; it is a simulation of a military attack that Arab and Berber knights wage on their enemies.

The Fantasia is linked to festive competitions such as seasons, holidays, and many national and family holidays, the cavalry company is formed from between 11 and 15 horsemen, it’s called “Sarba”, and they line up on one starting line, lead by a chief called “Lmqadem”, who takes his place in the middle of the division and coordinates the movements of men and horses together.

The field of Fantasia competition has between 151 and 200 meters long; On the other hand, the uniforms of the horsemen are important too; It refers to Moroccan traditional culture.  

When the start mark is announced, the knights have to cross the distance of the field in coordinated moves, and the most important is that they have to synchronize their shots at the end of the show, to seem like it’s a one-shot from the same gun!

Fantasia is a popular traditional sport, every year, great competitions throughout the country are held, and the main national competition which gathers the best cavalry companies of Morocco is largely covered by the media.