Djemma el Fna, Marrakech's Famous Square - Morocco
The ancient Djemma el Fna is the famous, open city square in Marrakech where dancers, fortune tellers, and storytellers put on a constant show. There were snake charmers, fire eaters, orange juice sellers, food stalls and the omnipresent touts. This square was once the site of public executions but it now a "must see" experience.
The Djemma-el Fna doesn't really come alive until the evening. Arrive early to watch the sunset from one of the many cafes surrounding the square. Several cafes and restaurants have upper terraces to watch the mayhem going on down below without worries of pickpockets or getting sucked into something you'd rather not. I really prefer not to have a snake draped over my shoulders!
Our guide got us prime seating on an upstairs balcony and we settled in to watch this "carnival" for a while while he pointed out dentists, herbalists "curing" whatever ails a person, transvestites, acrobats, beggers and who knows what else. It is hard to believe that all this is not a for-tourists-only exhibition but the real thing and has been taking place nightly for what seems forever.
Tired of watching, we re-entered the maze of alleys and lanes into the Medina/Kasbah/Souk leading from the square to browse through the shops again. In case you wonder (as I have) what the difference is between a Medina, Kasbah, or Souk - the dictionary defines: Kasbah, an older, native Arab quarter; Medina, an older, native Arab quarter; and Souk/suq, a market, or part of a market, in an Arab city. That being said, it was back into the Kasbah where we were drawn into a huge shop selling...what else....rugs! Hundreds and hundreds of rugs but we looked only even though they are extremely hard to resist.
I really can't recommend any shopping in Marrakech with the exception of souvenirs. Antiques and unusual items are very expensive. If you are looking for rugs, babouches, leather ottomans and other miscellany, knock yourself out but rarities will cost dearly and don't forget to bargain.
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