Those who tour Morocco will discover the warm welcome of Moroccan people.
This Moroccan welcome is always accompanied with the traditional ceremony of tea, also known as “Atay Naa Naa”. It’s considered a thirst-quenching drink, particularly in the Sahara where nomadic people can relax tasting some good tea in company.
As the famous Tinariwen’s piece, “Iswegh Atay”, says, the tea in the desert has to be tasted following a ritual which is used to suspend the daily actions and to relax one’s mind and body.
Usually the head of the family or the most representative person of the group takes this important ritual upon himself.
The tea is served with a lot of sugar and it’s flavoured with mint leafs, called “Naa Naa” in Moroccan.
To warm up the tea-pot which contains water, mint leafs and tea, Saharan people use coal embers.
The holiest moment is when the tea is poured and served.
The tea is kept in infusion for a few minutes to then be passed from a glass to another one, and again in the tea-pot till it reaches a rich taste.
It will be then served to the guests in the glasses.
“Atay Naa Naa” is always offered to welcome people and it’s drunk very hot also during the warmest hours which, at these latitudes, can reach 50 degrees.
Nisrine Nzihi, 5 A Scientifico
