Alcatel "Cleopotra" … Miss Hammer for the first time in Morocco

The "Cleopatra" entered the history of the village of Beni Ammar, which culminated in the competition of the most beautiful donkey, which ended the festival of this village in central Morocco and aims to "straighten" this "faithful animal".

"I called her Cleopatra after the beauty of this pharaonic queen," says her owner Abdeljalil, 26, "but I do not get tired of it."

The organizers of the Beni Ammar festival, which resumed this year after a five-year hiatus due to financial difficulties, have chosen to celebrate the donkey "for its fundamental role in the economy and villagers' lives ", explains its director Mohamed Belmou.

The donkey is a basic means of transportation between the mountain roads of Moroccan villages and narrow streets of some ancient cities, as well as in the plowing fields of small farmers. But his image in popular culture remains negative, badociated with stupidity.

Since its inception in 2001, the Beni Ammar festival has aimed to "restore the spirit of this animal, who has always been a friend of man, despite the humiliation and defamation of the village" .

Abdul Jalil puts a wreath of roses on Cleopatra's head, covering her back with a white embroidered dress for the local way. His rival, Mohammed (47), was able to put a crown in his ear, the "queen of the sunset" that he owned.

With them, three Atan donkeys and four male donkeys participate in the competition which takes place in a stadium in the center of the village, where large plains descend.

Each participant marries his donkey under the applause of a crowd of children and young people. The answer between the donkey and his companion is necessary to convince the jury composed of artists and veterinarians, as well as his state of health and his adornment.

This is the first time that more than one betan competes, where raising a donkey female is "flawed" in village traditions. Only one Atan was shown at the previous festival.

Abdul Jalil, Mohammed and village youth are trying to change this culture, not only because they are convinced of "equality" between donkeys, but also of their desire to produce and export milk.

"I have a donkey but I did not come to the contest, I chose to participate with the Queen of the sunset to take into account Ethan and its value to the villagers." I've heard that Ethan's milk is expensive, I hope we can create a co-operative production and export ".

Belmou also explains that the organizers of the festival really have a vision for an economic project including the production of Atan milk and the value of village agricultural products such as olive oil and figs. He hopes that the development of the village through the festival will facilitate access to project funding.

Before the start of the beauty contest, the audience of the festival had an appointment with another speed race, at which about 20 donkeys participated within a thousand meters.

Mehdi, a 17-year-old student, took his donkey with his "bluthot" who has been living with him for three years. "Sometimes he is smarter than the human," while his 17-year-old colleague Anas borrowed a "quick" donkey from the neighbors of the family.

Abdel Rahim, a 43-year-old farm worker, regrets that he can not "fulfill the dream of buying a donkey to take care of him and feed his monster". But that does not stop him from sharing the joy of the winners at the finish line, while everyone rejoices: "Long live the donkey!

Bluthot has managed to solve the top four of his favorites for the beauty pageant alongside Fuego, Rambo and Siddiq La La. The stories differ on the origin of the latter's name, among those who say that's the best. he was raised with the donkey "Why not", who won the competition title, and explains that the donkeys did not know each other, but called the second "friend" after the first.

Cleopatra, however, is likely to steal the limelight from all the village's donkeys being the first to wear the crown of the beauty pageant.

Abdeljalil received a prize of 2,500 dirhams (about 240 euros) and a bar of barley for Cleopatra, which he will celebrate throughout the year by getting involved in local cultural activities.