One of the many gracious people I’ve known here in Morocco is a well-mannered, beautiful lady named Amira. This 24-year old Marrakech native has always been close to my heart. She has been a great companion in some of my travel adventures, and her generous family amiably welcomes me to their precious home.

Yesterday was my friend’s wedding in Morocco. As a dear friend of mine, I couldn’t find any excuse not to be there in her most awaited day. With a fondness to observe other culture’s festivity, I can say that a wedding in Morocco is celebrated with a bang! Before the final wedding ceremony, there were six prenuptial celebrations that first took place. I could only imagine how the newly weds, Amira and Hariz, must have spent a considerable amount for the entire merry-making.

Before putting on her wedding gown, Amira was pampered by her younger sister Farah with a beauty routine. Farah arranged her sister’s long brown hair and applied just a little make-up on her lovely face. As part of their tradition, Amira did the old Moroccan practice of milk bathing. Moroccans believed that taking a milk bath will purify brides before their wedding in Morocco. After the ceremonial bath, Amira also had the orthodox henna painting of feet and hands called Beberiska.

Dressed in an elegant bright yellow wedding gown, which Moroccans believed to be the color that can send away evil, Amira looked so radiant on her precious day. I saw in Hariz’s eyes that he’s completely in love with his stunning bride. After the two exchanged their wedding vows, Amira walked around their new home three times.

The reception then followed at an expensive Rabat hotel, where great Moroccan cuisine was served as part of the sumptuous buffet. This includes the Harira Soup, Mechoui, and Beesteya. The guests also enjoyed the night by doing the belly dance.

Share This