Marrakesh Main Square Known as Jemaa El-Fnaa, also known as “Djema el-Fna” or “Jamma el-Fna,” is Marrakesh historic central square. It has been around for at least a thousand years and is a free outdoor theater. Without spending an evening strolling through this unique landmark, your trip to Morocco would somehow feel incomplete.
One of Morocco’s largest and most well-liked cities is Marrakesh. If you’re wandering into the city for the first time, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially if your first stop is the Jemaa el-Fnaa.
I always advise visitors to get plenty of rest to enjoy what may be the longest continuous carnival in the world! There always seems to be something going on in this enormous public square, day or night.
The History of the Jemaa El-Fnaa
“Jemaa el-Fnaa.” What exactly does its name mean? It is also known as “The Mosque of the Square” or “The Place Where Everything Ends” in some translations. It has been referred to as the “Assembly of the Dead” in some rather poetic—but probably false—interpretations, and the “Place of the Vanished Mosque” in others.
Jemaa el-Fnaa’s exact meaning is unknown, but a lot of local tour guides think it refers to a lost Almoravid mosque that was probably destroyed over a thousand years ago when the Almohad Dynasty took control of Morocco. The Koutoubia Mosque, situated at the western edge of the public square, was built by the Almohads in their turn.
This famous square’s connection to Marrakesh has been significant since around 1050 CE. Since the beginning of time, locals and guests have coexisted in this area.
Weary travelers arriving from the Sahara and beyond have long been greeted by water vendors, storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, monkey handlers, acrobats, fortune tellers, and a plethora of other performers whose performances are sure to cheer even the most traveled-hardened hearts.
There is no way to miss the Jemaa el-Fnaa. On the west and east, respectively, it is bordered by Rue Moulay Ismail and Rue Riad Zitoun el-Kedim. Knowing that the Place de Foucauld, Oessabin Mosque, and Place Bab Fteuh are also close by will help you get around. However, all you really need to do is look up and head in the direction of the Koutoubia Mosque.
When Should I Go to Jemaa el-Fna?
Marrakesh Main Square Known as Jemaa El-Fnaa: There is no real closure for the Jemaa El-Fnaa. You don’t need to stress too much about the seasons, admission prices, or even the opening and closing times! But throughout the day, there are variations in the rhythm and sense of what is or what might be.
It becomes noticeably quiet as the downbeat approaches. Even actors and musicians require rest. However, the first performers are frequently visible shortly after the first call to prayer.
The Jemaa el-Fnaa turns into a market once the morning has fully begun. Water vendors, orange juice stands, improvised barbecue grill eateries, snake charmers, and fortune tellers are all around. You can easily avoid the snakes if you want to; don’t worry too much about the snake charmers.
The entertainment in the market changes as the Moroccan sun rises into the frequently oppressive heat of the afternoon. The Chleuh dancing boys appear after the snake charmers leave. Arabic or Berber storytellers tell tales, while magicians and druggists also provide entertainment.
As evening falls, more people gather in the square. As night falls, there are more food stands. The numerous barbecue grills emit smoke into the starry night. Traditional healers and dancers, singers and musicians, astrologers, and acrobats all take turns lighting up the night late into the evening. It is a unique thing that can only be found in Marrakech.
The Intangible Cultural Humanity Heritage of UNESCO
UNESCO designated the Jemaa el-Fnaa as a location of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and it was finally inscribed in 2008. It is conceivably the one item that is most connected to any visit to Marrakech.
When one talks about Marrakesh, one talks about the Jemma el-Fnaa, about spending the night on the square, and about witnessing this incredible display of humanity. By way of musical, religious, and artistic expressions, the Jemaa el-Fnaa “represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions.
Of course, Morocco is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are well-known, like the Volubilis Roman Ruins. However, the things they list as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are what give Morocco its distinct charm.
Marrakesh Main Square Known as Jemaa El-Fnaa continues to be a significant hub of cultural exchange, as it has been for almost a millennium. In fact, the Moroccan government has granted the entire square a kind of protection status since 1922.
Of course, the fact that there are genuine threats to the survival of something of cultural significance is one of the criteria for inclusion on the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What currently threatens the Jemaa el-Fnaa is similar to what threatens Moroccan traditional ways of life.
Of course, unsustainably high levels of tourism contribute to this, as does the continued widespread use of technology like smartphones, televisions, and commercialism. Urban planning, road infrastructure, and urbanization all pose threats.
Being a sustainable tour operator and traveler is crucial now more than ever for all of the above reasons and more! As conscientious tourists, we have the ability to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these wonderful cultural experiences.
The Ideal Method to Enjoy
Marrakesh Main Square Known as Jemaa El-Fnaa: Typically, the entire square is a very busy place. Scooters and pedestrians weave in and out of the crowds as they move quickly back and forth. The historic, amazing, carnivalesque public square can be explored in its entirety for more than a day by curious visitors. Think about making two trips to the square instead of one.
Get acquainted with the local sights, sounds, and activities on the first day around lunchtime. Explore the souks and the various shops to see what you want to purchase.
The trick is this: Don’t make any purchases on the first day! Keep everything you want to buy for when you go shopping again the next day. The souk sells a wide variety of goods, so you might find something else there that you like better than the first few things you see.
The vendors will negotiate the prices of the items. They anticipate this haggling, so to refuse would be rude. Start with what you believe to be a reasonable price for the item, and then let your conversation determine the accurate price. Never belittle a vendor by asking for a price that is too little considering the caliber of the work.
Return the following day just before dusk. Take note of how the environment has changed. Take your time and take it all in. Just before dinner, explore the nearby souks and make all of your purchases on the square.
In this way, you will have had a full day to negotiate for a more extensive “discount” from the vendor. Consider having dinner on the Jemma el-Fnaa this evening. At one of the many barbecues, pull up a chair. Enjoy a feast and the Jemma el-Fnaa’s spectacle. This is how “dinner and a movie” was initially done!
Outside Dining at the Jemaa el-Fnaa
The food stalls in the Jemaa el-Fnaa were there long before tourism became a major industry, despite the fact that it might seem overly touristy. Locals are as accustomed to seeing the smoke rising from the grills over the carnivalesque square as they are to the nearby Koutoubia Mosque.
Your ability to negotiate will determine how much the price varies. In theory, you ought to agree on a price for everything before you eat. A plate of grilled meats big enough for 3–4 people to share can cost 100–150Dh, while the average meal costs 30–50Dh. A small bowl of Harira (5Dh), a small bowl of snail soup (5Dh), and one of the most revitalizing glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice (4Dh) are additional options.
The atmosphere is generally friendly, but high-pressure sales are the norm with everyone promising to feed you “the best” in Marrakesh. Feel free to browse the stalls and ask about the food being offered.
Although several stands have been highlighted in travel publications and online, the food is essentially the same everywhere.
The only real problem you might encounter is the sporadic owner trying to charge you more for bread and olives, which are usually free, or insisting that you pay for a full plate rather than a half plate, though this can be avoided if you and the owner agree on a price in advance.
There are no refrigerators to keep food cold, and in the heat, bacteria can be a problem if anything is undercooked. However, stick to soups, fried foods, and meats as a general rule, and avoid seafood and anything uncooked.
The stands are regulated by the Moroccan government. Instead of using silverware, which is frequently cleaned with the same water all day, it might be a good idea to use your hands to eat. Use a piece of bread to scoop up sauces like the locals would.