The seven waves of Devil’s Rock

A few kilometres away from Agadir, there is a beach with a small islet known to all surfers as Devil’s rock. When you ask surfers about it, they would tell you it is a safe spot to learn and improve surfing levels. When you ask locals, it is a whole other story! An old Superstition passed down from generation to generation is still around, and devil’s Rock is not only a surf spot; it holds a mind-boggling belief.
Devil's rock

1. The legend of Devil’s Rock

When we moved to the area, locals told us about the magic powers of the rock. They say no man can stand against the spirits of the rock. To prove it, they even told us stories like this one: A few years ago, annoyed by the superstition, the Qaïd of the village wanted to prove to locals that devil’s rock is nothing but a rock, and the hole on the top has no powers. He ordered the hole to be covered with cement and prevented people from approaching it. In that very night, he woke up  to some mysterious hands choking him until almost unconscious and a scary voice telling him to reopen the hole. The following day, he removed everything. Legend has it that cursed people have to go inside a narrow hole in the rock and be submerged by seven waves. Yes, you heard that right, Seven waves, not six nor five. Men seeking prosperity, infertile wives and girls looking for a husband are often those who seek the aid of the magical rock.

With the help of others, the girl goes inside the hole. She should be held tightly by the shoulders to prevent slips under the strength of the waves. 

moroccan woman

This is a simple yet dangerous ritual. Waves crash on the rock, and she gets splashed through the hole. 

She should not speak nor turn around. In the coming year, she is supposed to find a husband, happiness and fertility in her marital life.
To complete the ritual, the girl should immerse in seawater, and then brush her hair with a new comb. With the seventh wave, she Strips off Her Clothes and the comb to repel misfortune and start all over again. Out of discretion, women usually accompany their daughters early in the morning to avoid curious eyes.
This ritual dates back to pagan practices (Ancient religious beliefs). With the coming of Islam, less and less women are stripping off their clothes and the ritual stops at the rock.

devil's rock surf spot

2. Number Seven

Why seven waves? No one seems to know why. Women say they simply do what their ancestors used to, but they can’t explain it.
Well, if we do a little research, we realize that from the very beginnings of our recorded history, the number Seven has always had a strong significance.

The Babylonians divided weeks into seven days. The Jewish menorah holds seven candles. For Christians, God created the world in seven days.

Muslims are to go around the Kaaba seven times.

black magic in Morocco

The number Seven has always fascinated people. For many civilisations, it denotes completeness or perfection, creation and spiritual purification.
After the seven waves, these girls are completed, purified and newly created. They are ready for marital life.

3. The Moussem of Imourane

Every year, at the beginning of September, and for three days, a traditional moussem takes place at devil’s rock beach (Called Imourane among locals). Tents are set up along the beach to host amusement activities, a marketplace and people coming from all over the country. It also brings girls who have heard about the magical powers of the rock. The highlight of the celebration is the famous “Tbourida”.
For those who don’t know, a Moussem is an annual gathering that has economic, cultural and social functions. The origin of Imourane’s moussem seems to be closely linked to the fights against the Portuguese occupier. For many years the tribes of Idaoutanane have been celebrating the defeats of the Portuguese between 1505 and 1506. That is why “Tbourida” (Also called Fantasia) marks the end of this event.

And what is “Tbourida” again?

Tbourida consists of a group of knights representing the original fighters.

Tbourida

Dressed in traditional clothes, they ride decorated horses, and in one line, they gallop as fast as they can for around 200 meters before they fire into the sky using old muskets.

4. The origin of the word Imourane

For some, Imourane is an altered form of the word “Amourrane” which means body and soul strength. For others, it is rather “Mourane”, an ancient and rather obscure Amazigh divinity related to love.
But, it is also speculated that it may be originated from a deformation of the name of a member of the Portuguese military «Ben Mirao». Historians believe that Santa Cruz cape (today the city of Agadir) is not the only fortress built by the Portuguese in 1505.
Some historians talk about a second fortress built a few kilometers north. In response to Spanish claims in the Atlantic, Joao Lopes Sequeira decided to build another fortress a few kilometers away from Agadir, which was called “Ben Mirao”. However, this later is soon taken by the “Maures”.
Anyway, there are many inconsistencies among historians regarding the origin of the word Imourane. In the meanwhile, Imourane gathers both surfers and marriage seekers and no one bothers about historical accuracy. The rock remains wrapped in mysteries.

Tayyu Hiking

In Tayyu, we have designed a hike for people looking for an easy and short walk, with a wide view right on this rock. The view does evoke a mixture of feelings. When we stare at the rock from the top of the hill, we can almost feel the spirits, the fights, the desperate girls and a mixture of myth and reality.

hiking guide agadir

By Mbarka

– You may also like –

Hiking south of Morocco

Things to do in Taghazout Beyond Surfing

Agadir Airport

How to get from Agadir Airport to Taghazout

Is Taghazout Safe?

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.