Djema el fna

The central square and market place in Marrakesh’s medina quarter is also called Djema el-Fna and Djemaa el-Fnaa. Back in 1050 it was the site of public executions (hence the name which means assembly of death) but today it is a hive of activity 24/7.

This huge square is a bustle of activity with color, aromas, sounds and ever changing scenes.

During the day the large square is frequented by snake charmers, men with Barbary apes, medicine men, water vendors, tooth pullers and vendors. But the square really comes to life when the sun goes down. Stalls are set up across the square with strings of lights adding to the atmosphere. In addition to the stalls there are storytellers, the Hoopla and halqa street theatre, water sellers, side-show attractions, fortune tellers, horse drawn carriages, henna tattoo painters, musicians, acrobats and entertainers.

You will also find your fair share of pickpockets, scam artists and beggars. Thanks to the traditional storytellers, performers and musicians on the square UNESCO named Jemaa el-Fna a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. You can enjoy delicious freshly squeezed juice, buy authentic handcrafts and see stalls piled high with fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices.

As the evening progresses the market turns into a large open-air restaurant with stalls serving up grilled meat and other delicacies. Impressive buildings surround the square including hotels, gardens, cafes and on one side by the souk, a traditional North African market.