Fantasia (performance)

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Fantasia (Arabic: الفانتازيا) is a traditional exhibition of horsemanship in the Maghreb performed during cultural festivals and for Maghrebi wedding celebrations.^[1][2] It is present in Algeria, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger and Tunisia.^[3][2][4] It is attested in the ancient Numidian times during which it was practiced by the Numidian cavalry.^[5][6] Historian Carlos Henriques Pereira stated that the North African fantasia also called barud is a modern watered down version of a Numidian military technique.^[7]

Fantasia is considered a cultural performance and a form of martial art;^[8] it also symbolizes a strong relationship between the man (or woman) and the horse, as well as an attachment to tradition.^[9] According to Jean-Pierre Digard, it is a watered down version of the Numidian cavalry charge.^[10]

Fantasia performances usually take place during local seasonal, cultural or religious festivals, also called موسم moussem "saint's day festival" in Maghrebi Arabic.