The 17th Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida, scheduled to take place from October 13-18, will feature Tbourida, a traditional Moroccan equestrian performance that combines horsemanship, ceremony, craftsmanship, traditional dress, and collective discipline. This iconic tradition is set to bring together leading sorbas from across Morocco for an interregional competition, the Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Tbourida.
Tbourida is a spectacle that begins long before the final gunpowder blast. Riders line up with their horses, traditional garments flow through the arena, and an entire sorba moves with precision, creating a sense of unity that sits at the heart of this Moroccan equestrian tradition. The performance relies on riders controlling their horses, maintaining formation, matching the rhythm of the sorba, and coordinating their movements until the final charge.
The visual details of Tbourida add to the experience, with traditional clothing, elaborate saddlery, and riders' rifles forming part of a performance that carries generations of Moroccan history. UNESCO recognized Tbourida's cultural and artistic value by adding it to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, solidifying its place as part of Morocco's living heritage.
The Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Tbourida will put the skills of leading sorbas from different regions of Morocco to the test. Riders will be evaluated on their horsemanship, horse control, formation, coordination, traditional dress, and synchronized gunpowder firing. The competition will build toward a final that crowns the top sorbas, showcasing the collective nature of the performance.
The 2026 edition of Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida takes place under the theme “The Horse in the Service of Humanity,” highlighting the relationship between people and horses. This theme is reflected in Tbourida, where horses move in close coordination with their riders, responding to commands and becoming part of a carefully choreographed performance. Visitors can experience Tbourida outside the competition through free performances on October 18.
The Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida offers more than just competition, with a focus on the bond between rider and horse. Across the event, this relationship will be showcased in various forms, from competitive equestrian sports to traditional craftsmanship. When the rifles finally rise and the gunpowder breaks through the air, the moment carries the skill, tradition, discipline, and collective spirit of the sorba.
Key points
- Tbourida, a traditional Moroccan equestrian performance, will take center stage at the 17th Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida.
- The Grand Prix of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Tbourida will bring together leading sorbas from across Morocco for an interregional competition.
- UNESCO recognized Tbourida's cultural and artistic value by adding it to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
