Moussem of Tan-Tan

A gathering of the desert

The Moussem of Tan-Tan in southwest Morocco is an annual gathering of the nomadic peoples of the Sahara, bringing together more than thirty tribes from southern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa.

Such gatherings were part of the nomads’ farming and herding calendar. They were a time to meet, to buy, sell and exchange food and goods, to hold camel- and horse-breeding competitions, to celebrate weddings and to consult herbalists — and also a stage for music, popular chanting, games, poetry contests and other oral traditions in the Hassani language.

Lost and revived

The first Moussem of Tan-Tan in its present form was organised in 1963 to promote local traditions and provide a place for exchange and celebration. It is associated with Mohamed Laghdaf, who resisted the Franco-Spanish occupation and whose tomb lies near the town. Between 1979 and 2004 the moussem could not be held because of insecurity in the region.

As economic change pushed many nomadic families to settle in towns, crafts and poetry began to disappear, and communities have come to rely on the revived moussem to pass on their know-how. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List in 2008.

The 2026 edition

The 19th edition, from 3 to 7 October 2026, is held under the theme “The Moussem of Tan-Tan: human heritage and a bridge for cultural exchange”, with the United Arab Emirates as guest. The organisers announce desert music stages and concerts under the tent, tbourida displays of horsemanship, camel parades and activities run by local associations.