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How
would you love to be entertained by the oral expertise of a seasoned
professional story-teller in a bright calm afternoon? Well, that
would be part of your memorable reward for choosing the vibrant city
of Marrakesh as your destination. But the oral art of story-telling
is only a tip of the iceberg, of the multiple great activities that
would grace your stay in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The
Jemaa el-Fnaa
or Djemaa el Fna
located in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco, is one of the most popular
and interesting squares in Africa, situated in the very heart of the
city and famous for city activities and trade. The square is so
significant that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In
this famous square, be prepared to meet a great diversity of people
with a vast array of activities; including snake charmers, acrobats,
magicians, mystics, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers,
story-tellers, dentists, and entertainers in medieval garb.
Doubtless, hundreds of thousands of visitors across the globe,
converge on this lively square every year, to sample the exquisite
aura of this unique square.
Historically,
inhabitants of the surrounding deserts and mountain areas were
attracted to this square for trade; and soon, the square was
flourishing with stalls. Today, footprints of the past can still be
observed on the square, but modernity has also claimed a fair share
of the square’s personality, rendering it a meeting ground for the
ancient and the modern.
But
the excitement of the city of Marrakesh is not confined to its
vibrant and
colourful square,
as the city is endowed with the largest traditional Berber market in
Morocco. The Berbers are a species of the Caucasian Arabs. The market
comprises a variety of units called Souks,
each of which is specialised in selling specific products. The Souks
are principally located in the old Marrakesh in Medina, comprising a
wobbly number of stalls. Souks
sell a variety of items, including carpets and rugs, traditional
Muslim attire, lanterns, metal work, pottery, to mention just a few.
The largest of all souks
in this area is Souk
Semmarine, selling a
variety of products, including
coloured bejewelled
sandals and slippers, kaftans,
jewellery etc.
Souk Ableuh
contains stores which retail olives of all colours, including green,
red and black olives; but also lemons,
chillies, capers,
pickle and mint, a popular ingredient of Moroccan cusine and tea.
Then you would find Souk
Kchacha, which is
the wonderland of the dry fruits’ lover, selling a vast range of
dry fruits and nuts; including dates and figs, walnuts, cashews and
apricots. There are Souks
which
specialise in the
sale of knitted hats, scarves, t-shirts, Ramadan tea, ginseng,
hand-woven baskets, natural perfumes and more.
You
can enjoy a steam bath in the hammams,
which is a public venue for baths and scrub. Historically, these
types of public baths were common in Morocco, though they are now
experiencing a steady decline, due to the advent of more exclusive
baths and spars in luxurious hotels.
One
of the most spectacular and mind blowing event in Marrakesh is the
renowned Marrakesh arts festivals, usually held in July of each year;
and attended amongst others, by a wide variety of entertainers,
comprising, folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes,
snake charmers, fire-swallowers. The principal event takes places in
the 16 century Badi Palace and Djemma
el Fna. The most
spectacular moments of this event is the Fantasia, which is a horse
riding spectacle, involving hundreds of horsemen and women in
colourful
traditional attire. You can also pay a visit to the numerous mosques,
art galleries and museums that grace the city.
The
charm of Marrakesh is bound to remain in your memory even long after
you must have left.
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