Hiking to this small community in Ait Bouguemez, winding through mountain brooks and apple orchards, you are overwhelmed with a sense of wonder. With a backdrop of brilliant red mountains, you can’t help but feel like there’s something magical happening here.

When we arrived in the rural village, we received the warmest welcome – a cup of mint tea, some bread, and homemade melt-in-your-mouth butter. After we had finished our meal, the women ushered us into the main room, excited to show us how their woven masterpieces are created.

We walked in and found six women surrounding the loom – three were knotting from the front, the other three from the back. Beyond these women, there were at least a dozen more spinning or cutting yarn scattered throughout the room. All led by a master weaver who was directing the design, ensuring that the colors and spacing were all in line. It was nothing short of a symphony – everyone knew their role, all working together to craft the most beautiful composition.

I suppose we were right about the feeling that we’d find magic in this tiny town.