Jamaa el Fna Square is one of the most prominent cultural areas in Marrakesh and has become a symbol of the city since its founding in the eleventh century. The Jamaa El Fna square, located at the entrance of the Medina in Marrakech is an important heritage for the country. The square embodies the identity of the city. In the 12th century, the square was a public place of justice, where criminals were beheaded, hence the name Jamaa El Fna which signifies “Assembly of the Dead”. It was also a place where military parades took place. The square later became a space of commercial activity where peddlers and traders gathered to exchange their goods. Nowadays there are a large number of very diverse stands, which offer traditional Moroccan dishes, spices, dried fruits, and a whole range of other products.
This place full of life is also a place where many artistic performances and improvised shows take part, in particular music and dance, but also more original activities such as snake charmers, monkey trainers, henna tattoo artists, or even fortune-tellers. It represents a unique assemblage of the Moroccan people’s cultural traditions performed through musical, religious, and artistic expressions.
