First impressions of Jemaa el-Fna
Marrakech’s Main Square, Jemaa el-Fna is one of the busiest main squares in the world and waits for no man to catch up with its supersonic speed.
Mopeds whizz past you, snake charmers try to hypnotise you, food stall owners tempt you and a fusion of spices drift through the air. Everything about this place will send your head in the clouds, for better or for worse. Jemaa el-Fna is an explosion of your senses and will spin you into overdrive after just one encounter.
Although these photographs detail just how busy the Main Square is, they can’t showcase the cacophony of noises and smells without experiencing it for yourself. The fragrance of jasmine one minute and fried food the next, the dusty red walls and beautiful mosaics, the sound of street performers and traditional tradesmen calling for your attention. It’s impossible to mistake being in Jemaa el-Fna for anywhere else in the world.
This distinct culture ensured its inscription into UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1985.
Food stalls
Food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna compete for your attention at any opportunity, you don’t need me to tell you to wander around first to assess your options.
Vendors are experts in twisting your arm to try their treats, over time becoming masters at promising the world but never delivering what you hoped for. Some things were hit and miss, but I recommend the following dishes:
Savoury foods
Harira: A hearty and comforting soup, harira is a traditional Moroccan soup often served during Ramadan to break the fast. It typically contains lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices.
Tagine: Probably Morroco’s most famous dish. Tagine is a slow-cooked stew typically made with tender meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef) or vegetables, cooked with an array of aromatic spices, dried fruits, and nuts. The dish is named after the clay pot it’s cooked in, which helps retain the flavors and moisture.
Mechoui: A succulent roasted lamb dish, mechoui is slow-cooked over an open fire until the meat becomes tender and flavorsome. It’s a popular dish for special occasions and festivals.
Sweet treats
End your meal with a selection of Moroccan sweets, such as baklava, chebakia (honey-drenched sesame cookies), and ma’amoul (date-filled cookies). These sweets are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth and experience the rich flavors of Morocco’s pastry traditions.
Food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna compete for your attention at any opportunity, you don’t need me to tell you to wander around first to assess your options. Vendors are experts in twisting your arm to try their treats, over time becoming masters at promising the world but never delivering what you hoped for.
Being in a place like this usually warrants trying a few local specialities like camel spleen or broiled offal but I wasn’t feeling so brave. I opted for fried fish which was decent but not exactly memorable either.
The following night we got a seat at one of the roof-top terraces overlooking the square. It was a nice contrast from the day before. Being removed from the chaos of Jemaa el-Fna and into the corner of a cosy bar, I felt I could appreciate it more from afar.
Further reading: Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
Going to Morocco and looking for more tips and recommendations?
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco and need more information, I recommend heading to Fez (my favourite city in the country!), as well as Chefchaouen and Tangiers.
Have a read through these blog posts for more inspiration:
8 Responses
Thank you very much for this adventure into a different world.
Your Photography is wonderful.
Please have a good Wednesday.
nice place, and so many people, exactly where it was.
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The first photo is great!
Jana
Hello Si! It was a case of actions speak louder than words… On the first night of arrival I went to the Square, and a young girl wearing a relatively short skirt was being chased and hounded by a large group of boys so I decided that wearing jeans was the best thing to avoid provoking the same reaction.
What made you realise you might have brought inappropriate clothes – did you note what other women were wearing, or did someone tell you?
Yep, many, many people! Inside the souks and main square you’re like a sardine in a can of tomato juice!
Thank you Robert, I love looking at your photography, giving me an insight into Athens!
Great photos! I love the first one – very striking! I went to Jemaa el-Fna during Ramadan so there was a much slower pace than your visit by the looks…but still was rather manic!! 🙂