About the size of a football field, Djemaa el Fna (as well as the medina) is the main reason for us coming to Morocco. We have seen documentaries regarding this square and decided that we have to experience it for ourselves.
Djemaa el Fna presents an ever-changing character from the time of the rising sun till well into the night. It is a mixture of color, scent, smell, sight and sound and is the main attraction in Marrakech if not Morocco. It is not just a tourist attraction as many locals too enjoy the activities the square offers.
During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, water sellers, snack stalls, monkeys performing acts and snake charmer.
As the day progresses, Djemaa el Fna becomes more crowded, with dancing-boys, story-tellers, musicians, healers, magicians and peddlers of traditional medicines.
Before darkness sets in, the square fills with food-stalls as the number of people in the square peaks. These street food stalls have large variety of traditional dishes to choose from that includes meat, vegetables and fish. Either the dishes has been prepared or it will be cooked upon your order.
At the fringes of the Djemaa el Fna square, stalls selling toys.
Orange juice sellers and musicians.
Approaching late evening, women folks getting their hands a henna tattoo.
A horse carriage ride if you fancy.
The square is busy with locals and tourists alike.
The evening peddlers packing up giving way for the night eating stalls.
While the eating stalls are being set up, tea sellers are already up to speed.
Locals are a hungry lot. Stalls not fully up, the eating started. Chefs busy preparing cooking ingredients.
Up there on the terrace is where you want to be, to see the square transforms into eating stalls before nightfall. You are expected to purchase something from the cafe to get up the terrace. Just a soda is fine.
From the terrace above, you’ll have a commanding view of the square.
Nightfall setting in and only a couple of orange juice stalls remains. Otherwise, they dominate the square from the morning.
The eating stalls are almost all up.
At twilight, the glow of the electric bulbs lights up the square.
Ok, they are ready for customers.
Stall owners busy preparing their dishes.
Stall No. 1 belongs to Chez (chef) Aicha.
Varieties of local delicacies.
Locals and tourists enjoying their meals.
Our guide Mr Ridzuan treating us to local tea. Thank you.
The busy square at night.
Walking back to our bus parked close by Koutoubia mosque.
