The event emphasizes promoting saffron as a top-tier product, preserving Taliouine’s unique identity while driving economic benefits for the local community.
Casablanca – As the 15th International Saffron Festival celebrates this week Morocco’s beloved “red gold,” the Moroccan town of Taliouine is brimming with color, fragrance, and enchanting local tradition until November 10.
Known for its rich agricultural heritage, this festival is a cornerstone for local producers, connecting them to a global audience and showcasing saffron as a key product of Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy – a plan to enhance sustainable farming and rural development.
The heartbeat of Moroccan saffron
The festival is set in Taliouine, a town known as Morocco’s saffron capital. With 1,160 hectares of land dedicated to saffron production, the region supplies over four tons annually, aiming to increase this yield to 6.5 tons by 2030.
This small town plays a crucial role not only in Morocco’s saffron market but also in the global trade of this precious spice.
Saffron from Taliouine is renowned for its quality, and the festival amplifies its visibility, drawing buyers and enthusiasts from all over.
Golden saffron, green mission
Held under the auspices of Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, the festival spans over 2,000 square meters of exhibition space.
This aligns with the country’s ambitious “Green Generation” strategy, aiming to make saffron farming more sustainable, elevate local agricultural knowledge, and ensure that rural communities benefit from a thriving saffron industry.
The event has become a yearly gathering for farmers, experts, and artisans to exchange expertise and ensure the resilience of this vital crop.
Dance, savor, repeat
Visitors are immersed in all things saffron – from workshops on sustainable farming practices to hands-on harvesting tours where guests can experience the meticulous process that goes into producing saffron.
Traditional music and dance performances, especially the lively Ahwach Berber dances, add to the festive atmosphere, connecting attendees to Taliouine’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, an array of local products, from saffron-infused oils to artisanal crafts, fills the exhibition booths, alongside products like argan oil, thyme honey, dates, and almonds.
A Saffron market like no other
A total of 80 exhibitors from various Moroccan regions are showcasing their unique products at this year’s festival, offering visitors a taste of Morocco’s diverse agricultural bounty.
Beyond saffron, the Souss-Massa region’s agricultural wealth shines, with goods like argan oil, euphorbia honey, dates, and henna – a testament to a centuries-old expertise in local farming.
How the world’s priciest spice powers local economy
The festival is a dynamic blend of culture, education, and economics.
For local saffron farmers, this is an invaluable opportunity to build connections with potential buyers and partners, fostering sustainable growth in their businesses.
Led by Rachid Al Hayani of the International Saffron Festival Association, the event emphasizes promoting saffron as a top-tier product, preserving Taliouine’s unique identity while driving economic benefits for the local community.
One last saffron dance
As the Taliouine International Saffron Festival continues until November 10, it celebrates more than just saffron.
This festival honors a legacy of craftsmanship, agricultural skill, and community resilience that is core to Moroccan identity.
Each year, the festival helps the region reach new heights, ensuring that Taliouine’s saffron fields thrive for generations to come.
