The moussem of Hamadcha in Essaouira, which is traditionally held in May, is arranged at least fifteen days in advance. Different members of the Sufi community are responsible for collecting funds from residents of the city, to feed the treasury of the brotherhood and make the moussem celebration as beautiful as possible. Just before the arrival of other brotherhoods of Hamadcha in Morocco, Essaouira hosts become active and put in order carpets and furniture to accommodate their guests.

The moussem of Hamadcha in Essaouira is a religious and cultural celebration that aims to bring together the various communities of Hamadcha scattered throughout Morocco. These Muslim brotherhoods revere Sidi Ali Ben Hamdouch, who founded the movement of Hamadcha the seventeenth century. On the moussem, which lasts about four days and is open to the public, begins with ceremonies at which the most confidential Hamadacha of Essaouira welcome their brethren in other cities, who came from Taroudant, Safi, Fez, Demnate, Sale etc.. The ritual begins with the recitation of parts of the Quran called "Hizb".

Throughout the period of moussem Hamadcha, the communities are housed and fed by their hosts of Essaouira. The group, in total, about 70 people! Idris, the best baker in the city, welcomes at home the moussem participants for a great meal. This family tradition that has endured for many years, will resume by children of Idris after him.

The Hamadcha belongs to Sufi Islam. This mystical philosophy, which is a quest of self and the sense of the world, expressed through song and music. This is why Hamadcha does not sell off their instruments. Prayer is a song, singing a prayer. These times of worship dot the the moussem.

On the second day of the moussem, after welcoming different guests who arrived in dribs and drabs, the public procession begins. The Hamadcha gather in the street parade from early afternoon until late evening or early night! This walk is an opportunity for brotherhoods to share the event with the inhabitants of Essaouira and to invite whoever wants to join the celebration. On the moussem is truly a participative, collective, and open feast.

The music is an integral part of moussem of Hamadcha. The procession through the city at the pace of the oboes and "harraz", small percussion instruments like drums and used by the Sufi brotherhoods in Morocco.

Members of the community of Hamadcha play the "ghaita" during the procession through the streets of Essaouira. This instrument, similar to the oboe, is widespread in North Africa. To publicize their culture and talent, Hamadcha plan to organize a music festival in 2013.

During the moussem, Hamadcha gather in the "zaouia", which is literally the house, the Sufi shrine, or the commonplace. Located northeast of the medina of Essaouira, this zaouia was transmitted to the brotherhood of all generations. It contains the tomb of Sidi (Saint) Eddabbachi Tahar, former Moqqadem (responsible) for this zaouia.

Hamadcha playing the harraz, this small drum previously used during the procession. Made of pottery and stretched skin, this instrument worn on the shoulder is the heart of the celebration of the moussem. Members of the Brotherhood of Hamadcha are of all ages. This is where the moussem is rich in meaning: there is a real division between the generations.

The moussem of Hamadcha of Essaouira varies from year after year in its organization and protocol. It may even, if the funds do not allow it, some years pass without the the moussem. Music and dance are a constant: this will galvanize the bodies and minds to go into a trance and climbing. Here, children trying to learn traditional footsteps.

This musician is really focused. The air he plays within is very intense, and led some participants to enter into a trance.

At the end of the procession in the city, participants go to the zaouia moussem to make the sacrifice of the large bull. Sometimes there may be a smaller bull were killed earlier in the celebration. These sacrifices, besides their religious ritual value, used to feed all the musicians in different cities for several days. Men, women, children ... everyone can attend the sacrifice.