Djemaa el-Fna
Listed under Historic Streets and Squares in Marrakech, Morocco.
Djemaa el-Fna translates to Assembly of the Dead. Which sounds a lot grimmer and less lively than the place itself: one of the largest squares in Marrakech's medina, and the main one as far as both locals and tourists are concerned. During the day it still looks like something out of the Arabian Nights, or Disney's Aladdin, depending on what generation you are, with lots of colourful marketplace type activity and entertainments going on, including snake charming, traditional healers plying their trade, musicians, men walking around with apes looking for photo opps., and colourfully dressed local water sellers – it doesn't get much more traditional than that, and lots of stalls selling all sorts of everything. In the evening the smell of cooking takes over the whole place and the magicians, dancing boys and story tellers come out, replacing the circus folk of the day.
On one side of the marketplace are the entrances to the labyrinths of the souks, where most of the real trading takes places, and along another are the cafes where you can sit and watch the colour from a quieter vantage on a terrace.
Written by 
Esther Blume.
Other expert and press reviews
“Djma el Fna Square”
Djma el Fna Square in Marrakesh is best viewed from one of the roof-top cafes that overlook it. Head up for a coffee before dusk and you will see the place come alive as darkness falls, lights are lit and the square fills with the likes of snake charmers… Read more...
Written by 
Ceris.
“Sensory Overload at Marrakesh’s Djemaa el-Fna”
One of the main attractions in Marrakesh for both locals and tourists alike is the Djemaa el-Fna. A focal point to all things in the old Medina, the square undergoes a series of changes from day to night, a rolling story of chaos that would make for… Read more...
Written by 
Jodi Ettenberg.
Read more about Jodi's Moroccan experiences on Legal Nomads
“Downright Insane”
The Marrakesh medina is cracked up to be a steaming, honking, pulsing mess of humanity—and it doesn’t disappoint. The famed open square Djemaa el-Fna is ground zero for witch doctors, meat stalls, buzzing gas lamps and elbowing crowds. Sponta… Read more...
Written by 
Lauren Quinn.
Read More on Lonely Girl Travels
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Related links
- Marrakech travel guide
- West Morocco travel guide
- Morocco travel guide
- Morocco travel specialists
- The best Historic Streets and Squares
- The best Markets
- The best Squares, Streets & Urban Spaces
