Regraga

The Regraga are a subgroup within the larger Masmuda Berber tribal confederacy of Morocco. They historically played a pivotal role in the cultural and religious landscape of the Chiadma region along the Atlantic coast, situated between Safi and Essaouira. The Regraga are noted for their spiritual practices and their annual pilgrimage, known locally as the Moussem, which spans 39 days and begins each year at the spring equinox.

Zaouia Regraga: A building where the saint's grave is located

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Regraga trace their origins to the Jbel Hadid mountains, where they introduced Islam to the region alongside two other tribes, the Berber Haha and the Chiadma. In the Tamazigh language, "Regraga" signifies individuals endowed with Baraka, a spiritual force believed to confer blessings. This designation originated from their esteemed religious status in pre-Islamic times, which marked them as a noble group within the community.

The Daour Pilgrimage

The annual daour pilgrimage is a cornerstone of Regraga culture, encompassing a journey of approximately 460 kilometers across varied terrain. Pilgrims visit around forty sanctuaries, known as zaouïas, which hold significant ancestral and spiritual importance. These sanctuaries are distributed through thirteen rural brotherhoods (zaouïas), each fulfilling distinct roles within the confederation.

During the pilgrimage, which includes up to 51 stages, participants engage in communal festivities known as Moussems. These events blend religious observances with local fairs, fostering a sense of communal solidarity and cultural continuity. The pilgrimage serves not only as a religious journey but also as a socio-economic hub, featuring markets and entertainment that temporarily suspend ordinary life.

Legends and Spiritual Tradition

According to legend, the Regraga trace their lineage to seven Berber saints who journeyed to Mecca during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. These saints, known as Companions of the Prophet, converted to Islam and were tasked with spreading the faith upon their return to North Africa. The pilgrimage thus maintains a profound connection to these foundational figures, embodying a spiritual journey that activates the saints and reaffirms communal adherence to Islam.

Contemporary Relevance

Despite challenges posed by modernization and tourism, the Regraga pilgrimage endures as a vital cultural and spiritual event in Morocco. Often referred to as the "pilgrimage of the poor" in contrast to the Hajj, it continues to attract devotees seeking blessings, healing, and communal solidarity. The pilgrimage exemplifies Morocco's cultural resilience and spiritual heritage, embodying a blend of tradition and adaptation in response to contemporary pressures.

References

• Mana, Abdelkader. (1988). Caprification: The Ritual Action of the Nomadic Regraga.
• Lapassade, Georges. (2000). The Regraga Pilgrimage: Ritual and Community in Morocco.
• Namir, Abdelkabir. (1996). The Spiritual Journeys of the Regraga: A Comprehensive Study.