DUNIA Magazine

Djemaa el Fna (also known as Jemaa el Fnaa) is an open market place in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Known as ‘heart of the city’, this famous square has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most mesmerizing marketplaces.

Drawing tourists and locals into a world of street musicians, tribal drummers, Chleu (dancing boys), and traditional story-tellers; snake-charmers, henna tattoo artists, healers, magicians, tooth pullers and traditional medicine practitioners; horse-drawn-carriages, fruit juice sellers, water vendors and mobile food cooks, Djemaa el Fna presents a timeless and exciting mix of sounds, smells, colors and memorable experiences.

Djemaa el Fna is contantly busy and bustling, and horse-driven carts are a common sight to behold.

There is no end to the array of traditional and household wares on sale. This way, visitors can support locals by purchasing goods from them.

Snake charmers command the daytime show and have become a huge touristic attraction.

Different times of the day offer different activities.

During evening hours, the square becomes more crowded as the mood changes to a more relaxed one.

Chleuh dancing-boys entertain and local story-tellers tell tales in their traditional languages Berber or Arabic.

As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls. The air sizzles with tantalizing sounds of food cooking and steam rising from food stalls.

Visitors can choose from a large variety of delicious traditional dishes which include fish, vegetables and meat.

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