Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the finals of the 7th Grand Prize of King Mohammed VI of Tbourida–Fantasia– on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Exhibition Park in El Jadida, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
A total of 18 teams, known as “Sorbas,” hailing from different regions of the Kingdom participated in the competition that celebrated Tbourida, a traditional equestrian art in Morocco.
Tbourida is a display in which a precise formation of men or women on horseback gallop across a field and fire their rifles at the same time. It is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
The Crown Prince bestowed the Grand Prize upon Master –“Moqaddem”– Charaf El Bahraoui, from the Marrakech-Safi region.
Moqaddem Abdelrhani Benkhadda’s team from the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region received the second prize, while Master Hamid Serfak’s team, also from the Marrakech-Safi region, secured the third award.
Following the awards presentation, Prince Moulay El Hassan posed for a commemorative photo with the three winning teams.
The FRMSE jury evaluated the teams based on criteria including the unity of the riders’ movements, the rhythm of their gallop, the handling of rifles, the timing of shots, and their traditional attire.
Coordination and communication, riders’ mastery of their mounts, and the aesthetic qualities of riders and horses also factor in the final decision of the judges.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki; the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; the President of the Regional Council, Abdellatif Maazouz; and the Interim Governor of El Jadida Province, Mohamed Samir El Khamlichi, along with other key figures attended the event.