The acrobats leave the mosque in their white robes, and assemble in the village square.
The clown is also taunted by the acrobats who, shedding their robes, fill the dusk with flying, twisting shapes.
The acrobats have one final profitable ploy -- the morning's donations, which are auctioned off.
Interestingly, it is not only the acrobats that claim Sidi Ahmed's patronage.
All acrobats are expected to visit the tomb during the festival and give cash donations to guarantee the saint's continued help.
However, to most Moroccans the acrobats are undeniably the sons of the saint, and the bringer of his blessing.
Today the focus of the acrobats life has shifted from the saint's tomb to Marrakech and the Djema el Fna, the large public square in the city's medina.
This corner of Marrakech is also where successful acrobats return to, sinking their savings into cafes and small hotels.
The Djema is also where the apprentice acrobats come when they have learned their trade in the mountains and desert.
