The Chez Ali Fantasia Evening
Restaurant Chez Ali is not a simple dining venue; it is a true institution in Marrakech and the promise of a total immersion into the heart of Moroccan folklore and hospitality. Located in the Palmeraie, this mythical complex invites you to experience the Night of a Thousand and One Nights in a festive atmosphere surrounding the famous equestrian show: La Fantasia.
Forget the simple notion of dinner: the Chez Ali experience is a complete sensory journey, punctuated by drums, Berber songs, flamboyant colors, and the black powder of muskets. Prepare for an evening where ancestral traditions and the magic of the spectacle meet to create an enduring memory.
Phase 1: The Welcome Ceremony (Around 8:00 PM)
The experience begins well before entering the Caidal tents. The Chez Ali complex is designed to immediately transport the visitor into another world:
* Equestrian Welcome: Upon arrival at the estate (often preceded by complimentary hotel transfer), guests are greeted by a spectacular ceremony. Horsemen in traditional attire, sometimes escorted by Blue Men carrying torches, frame the entrance.
* Music and Folklore: Folkloric troupes representing different regions of Morocco (Berbers, Gnawa, etc.) play lively melodies and dance to guide the visitors.
* Touches of Magic: Depending on the season and providers, this step may include a "rain" of rose petals launched by young girls or a brief visit to a replica of the "Cave of Ali Baba."
* Personalized Escort: Each group is then escorted by a server to their own traditional Khaïma (Caidal tent), where dinner will be served.
Phase 2: The Dinner Show Under the Caidal Tents (Approximately 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM)
Seated in a setting richly adorned with carpets and hangings, guests savor iconic Moroccan dishes:
* Starter: The comforting Harira (Moroccan soup) accompanied by dates and lemon.
* Main Course: The most requested dish is often Méchoui (spit-roasted lamb), or a Tagine (chicken with lemon, lamb with prunes), always served with the essential Couscous with seven vegetables.
* Dessert: An assortment of Moroccan pastries and fresh seasonal fruits, crowned by the ritual of Mint Tea.
* Entertainment During the Meal: Unlike a classic show, the entertainment comes to the guests. The various folkloric troupes (Zayane, Tiskiwine, Kelaa M'Gouna, etc.) parade from tent to tent, performing their regional songs and dances, guaranteeing a lively and immersive atmosphere.
Phase 3: The Grand Fantasia Show (Approximately 10:30 PM – End)
After dinner, all guests head toward the immense central arena to witness the highlight of the evening: the Fantasia show.
* Opening and Acrobats: The arena evening begins with a series of performances. You often see belly dancing and acrobatics and vaulting acts, sometimes even featuring "stunt horsemen" and a donkey vaulting performance (a very popular show).
* The Flying Carpet: A short visual scene, often called the "Flying Carpet Fairy Tale" or a desert caravan, contributes to the Arabian Nights storytelling atmosphere.
* The Climax: The Fantasia: The show reaches its peak with the Fantasia. This is a spectacular reenactment of Berber military assaults and an equestrian tradition listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
* The Action: Dozens of horsemen in traditional costumes charge at a gallop.
* The Final Shot: The performance ends with a synchronized musket fire (black powder), which produces a deafening sound and a cloud of smoke, symbolizing the strength and unity of the warriors.
* Enchanting Conclusion: To mark the end of the evening, sometimes a spectacular fireworks display or giant letters in fire illuminate the sky at the end of the evening.
The evening generally concludes shortly thereafter, around midnight, with guests returning to their hotel or Riad in the city.
