Devil’s Rock – home to some of the best waves in Morocco and a well renowned surf spot, but locally it has its own story.
A hub of activity, the rock attracts not only keen surfers wanting to catch the waves, but fishermen who cast rods from the top or dive in to swim and catch their fish using a more traditional method.
You’ll also see the young men of the town rock hopping into the water to cool off from the heat of the sun.
The camels and horses of the beach will be nearby, waiting to pick up tourists and give them the ‘taxi ride’ and selfie worthy tour of the beach!
But none of this seems so special really, so what is it about Devil’s rock that creates such mysticism locally?
There are a few stories about why the name Devil, some of which explain an unseen ‘Devil like’ power holding the reigns of the rock itself and protecting its origin.
Some tell of the story of an unwelcomed King coming to the town and thus getting its name as Devil’s Rock.
Perhaps the most mysterious and somewhat entertaining story of the rock is within the reason so many woman come during the September Festival…to find a husband.
Local legend has it that a woman must stand herself in the hole of the rock until 7 waves splash over her, blessing her with the gift of a husband in the near future. A pretty dangerous ritual, as the waves are brutal, so she clings tightly onto the shoulders of a man counting the waves until the 7th hits. It is said that she must then strip her clothes and brush her hair with a new comb to repel misfortune.
The women quite literally queue and pay for the privilege of being blessed with the magic of this rock.
Many younger women accompanied by their mothers, I certainly wonder how many women return if they have not found their love as expected…
Perhaps I will try myself and report back!
The camels at Devil’s Rock
