The ritual and the ceremonies themselves have two phases:
– That of the preparations, called “Timulawine”, takes place from the second to the ninth day of the month of Muharram (the first of the Muslim lunar calendar); and
– That of Sebeïba proper which therefore takes place on the tenth day of the month of Moharam.
The Timoulaouines consist of training in the game of ganga (tambourine) and singing for women and dancing for men. It is a competition for the selection of the best dancers, ganga players and singers.
The eight evenings take place in dedicated places: “Dag Zawiya” for the people of El Mihan and “Kheila” for those of Azellouaz.
The tenth day ritual and ceremonies take place in three phases:
– The first is called “Tenfar”. The participants from the two villages go to the place called Loghya (located between the two villages), preceded by dancers in warlike outfits known as “Takambout” and followed by groups of women who play tambourines and sing.
– The second is called “Tikemssine”. The male participants parade by presenting their clothing and various weapons.
– The third is called “Aghalay n awatay” (the renewal of the year). The participants in the ritual and in the ceremonies go around the place dedicated to this use and located on the edge of the gardens of the two communities, clicking the swords always accompanied by the rhythm of the ganga and the songs of the women.
At the end of the day, people disperse.
