Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Ave Yacoub Al-Mansour; 7am-7pm)
This beautiful park is worth a stroll. There's a swim-
ming pool (summer only, admission Dh20), cafe, tennis and horse riding.
Festivals & Events
Oujda is renowned for its music: a cross-cultural mix of Algerian, Andalucian and Moroc-
can.
International Gharnati Festival
( Jul)
Gharnati is Algerian music from Andalusia (the name is derived from Granada)
and is particularly renowned in nearby Tlemcen.
Oujda International Rai Festival
(
Aug)
Rai music developed in Algeria in the 1930s as a form of protest folk music.
Moussems of Sidi Yahia Ben Younes
( Aug & Sep)
This is held 6km south of Oujda. Patron saint of the city and venerated by
Moroccans, Sidi Yahia is also thought to be John the Baptist or perhaps a Castilian rabbi.
Thousands of pilgrims flock to the celebrations. The trees around the shrine (closed to
non-Muslims) are festooned with rags, tied to receive blessings - a throwback to pre-
Islamic fertility beliefs. To get to Sidi Yahia, take bus 1 (Dh6) from outside Bab el-Oua-
hab in Oujda. A petit taxi should cost around Dh30.
Sleeping
Hôtel Angad
( 0536 69 14 51; hotelangad@hotmail.fr; Rue Tafna; s/d Dh160/200, with air-con Dh200/240; )
The
top pick of the budget hotels is this affordable two-star. Rooms are basic, with large bath-
room and TV; get a room at the back as streetside can be noisy. The downstairs cafe does
breakfast and pizza.
HOTEL
€
Hôtel Tlemcen
HOTEL
€
( 0536 70 03 84; 26 Rue Ramdane el-Gadhi; s/d/tr Dh90/180/270)
This friendly little place offers
excellent value, and has a grand-looking lobby. Quarters are small but bright, with bath-
