Djema el-Fna: The Central Square in Marrakesh – Full of Life!

Market time!  Marrakesh has a very lively market, Jamaa el Fna (or Djema el-Fna) spread out over the same-named square, second most famous square in African after Cairo’s Tahrir Square.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so that should command some attention, right?

Of course, the souks (or alleys) of the medina are full of shops but it is this square that is the main scene.  At night, the market is teeming with life.  Locals and tourists alike enjoy all it offers.  The range of items for sale, be them food or other goods is wide.  Eateries can be found all around from the basic to the restaurants.  Of course, be ready for the extra “persuasiveness” of any of the sellers around.  It is intense to walk around (a little bit of a turn-off for me).  You can also see diverse live animals to charm you.  But feeling the place’s vibrancy makes it a must-see and must-walk-around.  Perhaps even buying a thing or two?

dates, fruit, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

Dates, dates, dates

orange juice, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

So many orange juice carts! Must be a lot of thirsty people around…

spices, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa, food stall

Food stalls, like these with spices, add a lot of color -and aromas- to the scene.

lamp, Morocco, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

Beautiful lamp

sweets, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

And back to food after that lamp!

Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

Continuing with the food vendors…

dried fruit, figs, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

Dried figs!

pita bread, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa

The baked goods could not be far behind!

eateries, restaurants, cafes, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Canon EOS Rebel

One of the many casual eateries in the square; more formal ones can be found in its periphery

drinks, entertainment, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Canon EOS Rebel

Soft drinks are part of an entertainer’s set up in the square

eateries, restaurants, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Canon EOS Rebel

Many restaurants all around

Djema el-Fna, Morocco, food stand, medina, Djemaa el Fna, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Canon EOS Rebel

So whether during a short visit like mine or one that allows you exploring every nook and cranny of ‘kesh, don’t miss out on an evening out at Jemaa el-Fnaa!

 

Photo of the Week – Mainz, Germany

After taking a boat cruise down the Rhine to return to Frankfurt from Dusseldorf, we got off the boat at Mainz from where we would take a train into Frankfurt.  We had no idea that Mainz was going to be so charming and beautiful.  So we took a little longer strolling around (with our luggage!) until we finally made it to the Bahnhof.  Here is a snapshot of the beautiful square we hit along the way with colorful architecture.  This is a town I plan to return to and explore more in depth!  Auf wiedersehen, Mainz!

Mainz, Germany, square, plaza, architecture, platz, Canon EOS Rebel, photo, travel

Square in Mainz

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