Hologram shows were projected on the walls of the Hercules caves on Thursday and will remain until September 4, based on the Greek legend of Hercules and his mission to gather golden apples from the Hesperides garden.
The activities are part of Morocco’s Ministry of Culture’s “Nostalgia” initiative, which aims to cast new light on various locations of historical and archeological significance.
They showcase Hercules’ tale and his twelve duties, particularly his mission to harvest golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides, which was most likely near the “Lixus” site, and the difficulties he had in carrying out the task.
Culture Minister Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid stated that the “Nostalgia” program is one of the initiatives introduced in 2022 to improve historic monuments.
The minister said the Hercules Caves show is presented innovatively, using 100% Moroccan work and modern technologies to retell the Hercules legend, which is linked to the city of Tangier.
President of the Tangier local council Mounir Laymouri, underlined that the Hercules caves are a historic site and a source of pride for the city of Tangier, as well as a major tourist attraction and that this show based on the ancient legend undoubtedly piques tourists’ interest in learning more about it and the connection to Morocco.
The tale of Hercules and Atlas has captivated people all around the world for millennia. These two well-known Greek mythological heroes are more than just characters in old stories; they also evoke a real-world connection.
Tangier, Morocco’s Hercules Cave is a spot that connects these mythical figures.
Hercules, the demigod son of Zeus and a mortal woman, is famed for his Twelve Labors, which he did as a kind of penance for his transgressions, according to Edith Hamilton in her book “Mythology.”
In the narrative, once Hercules returned with the fruits, Atlas was hesitant to return his heavenly weight. To trick him, Hercules asked Atlas to hold the sky while he placed a cushion of the Atlas Mountains beneath his shoulders.
The legend says that Hercules himself opened the cave entrance to the Atlantic Ocean with a single blow of his gigantic club. Another of his Twelve Labors was to tame the cattle owned by Geyron, the notorious three-headed monster.
The link between the Hercules Cave and the myth is clear the grotto, which is thought to have been built by Hercules, stands as a tangible reminder of his incredible prowess and links to North Africa.
The Hercules Cave isn’t merely a tourist destination; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of mythology, a tangible link to the heroic exploits of Hercules and the enduring burden of Atlas. The showcase invites visitors to explore and be captivated by the enchanting intersection of history, myth, and natural beauty awaiting them in Tangier.