The sheep fête for Maya

This is the sheep that was sacrificed the day
of the "Saba",
a Moroccan tradition, a fête given by the family
on the 7th day after a baby is born.
Moroccans also refer to this fête as the baby's "baptême",
because it was then that the baby's name was made known to everyone.
Maya's fête was three weeks after her birth.
A lovely luncheon party given by Mehdi's parents,
in their beautiful back yard!
The fête was Sunday, August 8, but preparations
began the Saturday afternoon, before.....
and so do my pictures...
Bonne Fête, Maya!!

A perfect setting

Summer sounds and colors, restful and at the same time, exalting!!
A perfect setting for a family gathering and a celebration
to welcome it's newest member!!

Papyrus in bloom

Never have I seen anything more delicate and enticing.
I literally bombarded them with my camera...
They were astoundingly beautiful !!

Simply amazing!

Beautiful geraniums for the fête

Adding a touch more of color, to his already magnificent yard,
Mr. Berrada had these beautiful geraniums planted on Saturday afternoon.

A wheel barrel full of geranium plants!

Two lovely "fées" among the flowers...

"And where will we put the next ones?"

Can't you just smell them!!!!

Saturday afternoon August 7 , 2010

Saturday afternoon early, workers arrived .....
Not everything could wait till the last minute to be done

Inés and Leyla were intrigued by the changes going on before their eyes ..

At one point they even seemed to be making suggestions!

In no time at all, skeletons of metal tubes became .....

lovely white fortresses, protection from the sun and heat.

Sunday morning, August 8, 2010

The catering service arrived early Sunday morning to put up the
individual and serving tables,
set them,
and decorate them.

In a few hours, Mr. Berrada's beautiful yard was transformed into a lovely outdoor dining room.

The sacrifice

Once all the family had arrived, it was time to kill the sheep.

Here he is, innocently waiting ....

It falls on Mehdi as head of the new family, to immolate to the animal.

And this is what he looked like , when all was said and done.

The butcher cutting the sheep into parts to be frozen for use later ".

Visiting before lunch

It Was a very very hot day, but Maya in her Mommy's arms,

made a short appearance.

Auntie Zineb, cousin Leyla and Tammy with Maya ..

Mehdi, Tammy (with Maya) and Mr. Berrada

Mehdi Tammy with Maya and two proud grandfathers!

I think no introductions are needed here! :-)

A Hot Day

Whether in kaftan or regular dress , It was sooo hot, FANS were the common accessory!

The only way to stay cool!

Time for the entertainment

After a wonderful lunch, it's time for some entertainment!

The orchestra are few, very good goal!

The lead singer ..

The terrace and yard Become The dance floor ....

And Inés and Kenza are Having a ball!

Everybody dance, now!

Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, nieces, grandbabies and friends,
"It's time to dance, now!"