Jemaa El Fna

Location:

Located at the entrance of the Medina quarter (The old city of Marrakesh), the triangular square of Jemaa El Fna is undoubtedly the most important part of the city and its main attraction. Here, both locals of varying social and ethnic backgrounds and tourists from across the world gather throughout the day, and well into the night to enjoy the various activities of the square.

Opening Hours:

The marketplace and square of Jemaa El Fna is open daily. The place is vibrant with different activities that typically get going from around 8 a.m. and last until at least midnight.

History:

Although the reason behind the name of Jemaa El Fna (The word Jemaa in Arabic means mosque and El Fna means courtyard) is unknown, it is likely as most historians claim reference to a demolished mosque existed there in ancient times.  

The history of the square dates back to the time of the establishment of the city of Marrakesh by Almoravids in 1062. During the reign of Almohads’ in 1147, Jemaa El Fna was renovated to serve a market and trade center at the heart of the city. Since that time and for thousands years, Jemaa El Fna remains a sought-after attraction for both local inhabitants and tourists alike.  

Jemaa El Fna a UNESCO Human Heritage site:

Owing to its importance as a cultural exchange and artistic heritage site, UNESCO declared Jemaa El Fna to be the first place to gain the state of “Masterpieces of the Heritage of Humanity” initiative in 2001. In a massive ceremony held by the UNESCO and attended by a wide range of celebrities and cultural elites worldwide to celebrate Jemaa El Fna as a Masterpiece of Human Heritage, the well-known Spanish poet and novelist Juan Goytisolo mentioned that despite the repetition of activities in the square, they sound variable and different every day: “The spectacle of Jemaa el Fna is repeated daily and each day it is different Everything changes—voices, sounds, gestures, the public which sees, listens, smells, tastes, touches”.  

What you will see in Jemaa El Fna:

In the morning, visitors of Jemaa El Fna enjoy watching traders and stall owners set up their stands selling different and interesting products like orange juice, spices, traditional medicines, mint leaves, and snail. This food market has been hosted for ages at the place for mountain traders.

By the mid-morning, the non-stop whine that comes from the flutes of snake-charmers and hits all corners of the square can’t be ignored or missed by Jemaa El Fna visitors. While wandering around the place, you will find monkey trainers with their dressed animals entertaining the crowd. As a bit unusual activity you will meet the tooth-pullers with their ready pliers to pluck out the aching teeth of passersby.  

However, the real show kicks off once the sun sets as restaurants around the marketplace begin serving their Moroccan, authentic, mouth-watering Moroccan dishes to the starving customers. The highlight of the night will be the folkloric shows of Berber musicians and Gnaoua dancers whose nightly performances enchant all visitors. Activities like henna tattoo for customers, storytellers, and poets pass on the oral traditions of Morocco are also available.  

Activities to do in Jemaa El Fna:

1- Visiting the Koutoubia (the Great Mosque of Marrakech).

Being the largest mosque in Marrakech, the “Koutoubia” with its 77-meter decorated with a green ceramic band minaret is one of the worth-visiting places in Jemaa El Fna. Designed in the shape of a “T”, the unique construction of Koutoubia mosque was an inspiration for other landmarks worldwide, like the Giralda of Seville.

2-Drinking a mint tea on a rooftop .

Renowned for its mint tea as a real institution in Morocco, drinking mint tea on one of the many rooftops and terraces that border the Jemaa El Fna square is an experience a visitor shouldn’t miss here.  

3-Tasting the local Moroccan Cuisine at sunset.

For those travelers who appreciate tasting local food specialties, the taste of the sheep’s head or the snails in their spicy broth would be a fantastic experience!

4-Shopping in Jemaa El Fna and Bargaining with local traders.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself carried out by vendors or local merchants to their local products, like souvenirs, carpets or trinkets…etc. it is just a game. Now it is your turn in the game to show your sense of humor by smiling in all circumstances. Bargaining is common etiquette in Jemaa El Fna. All you have to do is to offer half price of anything you want. Then, if you’re not proud of the ultimate price, walk away—the vendor may call you back. Paying cash should be the best way to push down prices.

5-Attending the evening entertainment shows.

The nightlife of Jemaa El Fna square is quite fabulous when onlookers can participate in many unique activities like trying mini golf, bottle fishing, or even watching the street acrobats’ shows.

While walking through the majestic Jemaa El Fna Square, you have to be careful and prepared for some scenes which are probably unusual for you as follows:

- Stay alert to motorbikes, cars, and horse-drawn-carriage traffic around the perimeter of the plaza if before 2pm (cars are banned after 2pm).  

- Be alert on pickpockets and rogue gropers who are known to work the crowds, especially after sunset.  

- To snatch a preferred stool around musician circles during the evening show, be early in the evening (women and elders usually get preference)

- Prepare yourself to be familiar with some questionable practices (not very common) among the snake charmers and monkey trainers for their animals.