Agadir is a city in south of Morocco, capital of the Souss-Massa-Daraa region. It has a population of 678,596 (2004; census figures for the agglomeration include the near-by cities of Inezgane and Aït Melloul); the population of the city proper is estimated at 200,000. The mild winter climate (January average midday temperature 20°C/68°F) and good beaches have made it a major “winter sun” destination for Northern Europeans.
The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Sous Riverempties into the sea, founded by the Portuguese around 1500, the city came under Moroccan control in 1526. In 1911, the arrival of a German gunboat (the Panther), officially to protect the local German community, triggered the Agadir Crisis between France and Germany that in 1913 caused France to establish a protectorate in Morrocco.
At 15 minutes to midnight on February 29, 1960, Agadir was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake that lasted 15 seconds, burying the old city and killing thousands, the death toll is estimated at 15,000. The earthquake destroyed the ancient Kasbah on the summit of Cap Ghir hill, which was built in 1540. On its front gate can still be read the following sentence in Dutch: “Fear God and honor thy King”.
Agadir today is a seaport (exporting cobalt, manganese and zinc) and seaside resort with a large sandy beach. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, some consider it not typically Moroccan. Agadir is famous for its sea foods and agriculture.
Agadir Parks & Gardens :
Agadir is a city of beautiful parks and flowering gardens. A number of bright blossoms bloom in these due to the weather conditions being conducive and make Agadir Parks and gardens really vivid and eye catchy. The residential area is demarcated and the hotels and resorts are separated from this area by these brimming lawns and parks. A number of beautiful plants and trees lend Agadir a nature friendly and pleasant aura and tourists are often caught spending their evenings taking a stroll in these scenic settings. The famed parks and gardens of Agadir are: The Ancienne Talborjt, Agadir was built to commemorate the death of the beloved citizens of Agadir in an earthquake that ravaged the city in 1960. Natives are often seen here spending a calm evening in memory of a dear friend or family member. Jardim de Olhao, Agadir was built with unique designs and singular layout to celebrate the longlasting friendly ties Morocco holds with Portugal. The park timings are 2.30pm to 6.30 pm. Jardin Ibn Zaidoun, Agadir is a beautiful garden and is marked by enthralling peace and harmony and excellent maintenance. Boulevard 20 Août Park, Agadir was built between Boulevard 20 Août and Boulevard Mohammad V as a boundary to mark the confines of the residential areas of the city.
Agadir Festivals & Events :
Festival makes a land unique in terms of its customs and tradition. Agadir with its host of festivals and events would undoubtedly prove to be a nice pace to visit.
Honey Festival, Agadir The Honey festival is celebrated in the month of May. The festival is a major attraction for tourists who visit Agadir. The Honey festival is celebrated at Argana which is renowned world wide for its historic beehives. Most of the hives built over there are made of reed cylinders that are covered with clay.
Fish and Seafood Exhibition, Agadir Morocco is famous for its fish and seafood industry that brings together a huge amount of fishes both from local and international, market. The Fish and Seafood Exhibition is held annually in the month of November.
Timitar Festival, Agadir Those who have a special liking for music must participate in the Timitar Festival, Agadir. The Timitar Festival is a tribute to the Berber culture. Music, dance and art are the major attractions of the festival.
Agadir Festival, Agadir The Agadir festival takes place in the month of December every year. It is acknowledged as the biggest annual celebration celebrated by the people of Agadir. Festivity and mirth are the two best words that can describe the Agadir festival in its truest colors. The festival is a full entertainment package with concerts and performances carried out by the artists from all over the world.