& # 39; Cleopatra & # 39; amaze the Moroccan village during a donkey contest

Cleopatra, the donkey wearing a wreath, delighted the villagers of central Morocco in combating the trend of winning the first prize at a beauty pageant.

Named in honor of the ancient Egyptian queen, she triumphed at the Festibaz event, becoming the first donkey to win this contest, which was held in the village of Beni Ammar.

"It's a dedicated and tireless animal, but you have to take care of it," said Abdeljalil, the winner's owner, who is 26 years old.

Farmer, he won a prize of 2500 dirhams (260 dollars and 235 euros) and a bag of barley. The show was released at the end of July after a five-year break caused by funding difficulties.

In addition to a wreath of flowers, Cleopatra wore glamorous sunglbades and was dressed up to the end of her hooves for the nine judges.

The panel included a veterinarian and a philosophy teacher, who looked closely at the appearance, health and links of the donkeys with their owners.

The men ran the donkeys before the beauty contest, which produced a winner for the first time in 12 years. By Fadel SENNA (AFP)

The twelfth edition of the festival of Beni Ammar, some 120 km west of the capital Rabat, was to be considered a party.

The donkey "plays a vital role in the lives of the villagers," said Mohamed Belmou, who works in Rabat but is from the village.

Donkeys are a key means of transportation and pull heavily loaded carts in rural areas, but animals have a bad name in popular culture and their name can be used as an insult.

"We want to rehabilitate the image of the old mate of the man, victim of abuse and reproach," Belmou added.

One competitor considered the contest as a way to promote donkey milk.

"It seems that this milk is selling at a high price for its cosmetic properties.I hope to create a cooperative to be able to export," said Mohamed, a 47-year-old farmer.

While donkeys carry heavy loads through rural areas, many consider them scornfully. The contest aims to restore the image of animals as "old companion of the man". By Fadel SENNA (AFP)

The annual contest also entertains the villagers, whose youth gathered to watch about 20 donkeys participate in a one kilometer race before the contest.

In less than five minutes, "Rambo" has pbaded the finish line in front of its competitors, including "Fire" and "Bluetooth" – so-called for his speed.

"Long live the donkey!" the crowd applauded.