Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival: a guide to Morocco’s festival of street performers

Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival: a guide to Morocco’s festival of street performers


Level of participation: 2 – sip a mint tea and take in the Maghrebi culture
With snake-charmers and marketers cawing ‘lovely jubbly’ at passing English tourists on Djemaa el-Fna square, bustling Marrakesh is rather like a year-round festival. The colour and pace intensify during the Popular Arts Festival, when performers from across the North African nation use the city as an al fresco venue.
Sauntering across Djemaa el-Fna in search of the dreamy orange juice stands, you come across even more fire-swallowers, fortune-tellers and folk singers than usual. Look out for Berber musicians and dancers from the High Atlas, Andalucían-style songsters from the Spanish-influenced north, and the hypnotic Gnaouas drummers from the south.
The main gathering point for performers from acting troupes to acrobats is Palais el-Badi. Built by Ahmed al-Mansour between 1578 and 1602, the now-ruined palace was reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world and well deserved its name, the Incomparable. Every evening, a fantasia (choreographed military display on Arabian horses) takes place in a field near the palace.
Local attractions: a pavilion in Palais el-Badi houses a 12th-century treasure, the beautifully restored minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia that inspired so many Arab and Andalucían poets.


morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival

Marrakech popular arts festival is an annual fair that takes several days featuring artists from diverse corners of Morocco, Africa, Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. It is normally held in the month of July, attracting artists, dancers, fortune tellers, theatre groups, snake charmers and other artists; placing it on the world map as one of the world’s most celebrated art events and among the most popular galas in Morocco.

Marrakech -Folklore group
The major events of the festival are performed at the historical El Badi Palace ruins, which hold rich historical significance to Moroccans; having been constructed for a whopping 25 years, only to be destroyed in 1600s by Moulay Ismai who built another palace in Meknes. Place Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s main square also plays host to a number of events. At the square, there are so many things to see and do; loads of cafes and food stalls, elegant shops and sellers, ideal for those who love shopping. Furthermore, Djemaa El Fna has always been home to scores of traditional entertainers; magicians, snake charmers and storytellers.

Moroccan festivals are synonymous with music, dance and art. Attendees of the Marrakech popular arts festival should expect ancient folk dancers, belly dancers, pop and fusion musicians and traditional Berber musician, not forgetting Fantasia that is held outside the city walls.

Attending the Marrakech popular arts festival would be incomplete without a relaxing and peaceful walk in the attractive Majorelle Gardens. The palm and olive trees in Menara gardens are also perfect spots to relax in the evening while on a break from the festival.

Accommodation is in plenty; you can opt to stay in one of the well managed hostels or hotels in Marrakech available, the rates are affordable, although they might be slightly higher during the festivals. Marrakech is definitely the place to learn the Moroccan culture, sing and dance to their music and generally, get entertained for a perfect respite and amusement.


morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

Top Ten Places to Visit in Morocco in 2013

Morocco is a country with so much diversity in landscape and people. This diversity helps make Morocco a true fascinating place to explore and enjoy. If you are intending to plan your holidays in Morocco, then this article will help you discover beautiful places to visit. You can be sure to experience a perfect blend of modern and old Morocco, which conglomerates various cultures such as Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, and African cultures, These cultures have paved the way for a positive and beautiful life in Morocco.

Chebbi Dunes

Are you fond of Sahara Desert? If so, then this village has to be your ultimate destination in Morocco. Located south of Morocco near the town of Merzouga, Chebbi Dunes offer the best tourist destination coupled with ample opportunities for fun and adventure. One of the most popular activities in this desert town is Camel Trekking, Camel trips can be taken from two hours to several days or even weeks, giving travelers an opportunity to experience the Sahara Desert in a unique and fascinating way that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Chebbi Dunes - Merzouga Desert

Djemaa El-Fna Square, Marrakech

Located in the heart of Marrakech city, this place is best known for the amazing musicians, fortunetellers and the snake charmers, which can make your day a memorable one. Djemaa el-fna market is another aspect that attracts tourists to this part of the country. So, while you are there make sure to visit all the corners of this square so that you can maximize your enjoyment and exploration.

Djemaa El-Fna Square - Marrakech

Majorelle Gardens

If you are fond of natural botanical gardens, then ensure you do not miss out on such a treat. The Marjorelle Gardens sits in the heart of the city of Marrakech, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities. So make sure to have your camera handy!

Majorelle Garden - Marrakech

Cascades Ouzoud

Located near Azilal and Marrakech, this dramatic and amazing waterfall can make any tourist spell bounded. This waterfall serves as the primary water source in the adjoining areas.

Cascades Ouzoud - Azilal

Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is a canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, with a close proximity to the town Tinerhir. The best part of this canyon is the the last 700 meters of it, Here the canyon become so narrow with high flat vertical mountain walls. For those who likes hiking, Todra valley is the place to be!

Todra Gorge Valley

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech

Koutoubia Mosque is an architectural masterpieces of Morocco. This beautiful monument was built in 1184 and was available to public on 1199. Make sure to have your camera ready to take pictures of this historical landmark!

Koutoubia Mosque - Marrakech

Volubilis

Rich in historical artifacts, voubilis is a site offering the amazing ruins of the third century. The ruins of the Roman Empire make this place a must visit for everyone fond of history and culture.

Volubilis - nearby Meknes city (credit to Lukas Vermeer)

Ouarzazate

Have you watched the films Lawrence of Arabia, Galdiator, and The Mummy?. Ouarzazate region was the place where those films were shot. It is home to the largest Hollywood studio in the world. So, have your camera handy to take pictures of the Ouarzazate movie studio and the places where those Hollywood films were shot!

Atlas Studio - Ouarzazate

Rabat

Being the capital city of Morocco, Rabat has a distinctive place when it comes to tourism. The famous Hassan Tower has become the site to experience while on a visit to the capital city of Morocco. Other than the tower, Rabat is rich in culture and history, which makes it a treat for the tourist.

Kasbah Ouadaya - Rabat

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen or Chaouen is a spectacular mountain town located in the north of Morocco. Despite its beautiful location with waterfalls and a national park nearby, Chaouen has retained its low-key charm; Thus, presenting an ideal opportunity for travelers to explore the town and enjoy the peace and the tranquility that this place has to offer.

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco