Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, it is located at an elevation of 2119 m in the valley of Asif Mellulen ("white river"). The area of Imilchil is home to the Ayt Hdiddu tribe, belonging to the Ait Yafelman confederation, and the inhabitants speak Central Atlas Tamazight.
Tourist attractions in the area include lakes Isli and Tislit, the caves of Axyam (Akhyam), the Aguni waterfalls, the Ziz Gorges and Valley and the igherman castles (ksars) of the area.
Climate
Due to its altitude, Imilchil has a severe humid continental climate (Dfb), according to the Köppen system due to its below-freezing average temperature for the coldest month. Summers are hot and quite dry, with warm days and cool nights while winters are cold and snowy with below-freezing conditions, especially at night.
The town of Imilchil represents a symbol of Berber culture, known for its Moussem (festival), officially known as Sidi Ahmed Oulmaghni, the patron saint of the Ayt Hdiddu tribe. The legend goes that two young people from different tribes fell in love, but were forbidden to see each other by their families. The grief led them to cry themselves to death, creating the neighbouring lakes of Isli (his) and Tislit (hers) near Imilchil. The local tribes decided to use the opportunity of the annual visit to the shrine of the patron saint (the date of which also corresponds with the lovers' death) so that members of the tribes could marry each other. Thus the festival was born.
In reality, the region has a scattering of very far-flung and remote douars (villages), so when a young couples want to register their engagement, they can't do so in their douar. Up to 40 couples take their vows on the same day. The festival is rich with music, dancing, feasts, and colorful clothing. The celebrations attract many tourists to the area, and though tourism contributes to the local economy, there are fears that the rituals can be affected by the foreigners.
Morocco