History and Culture
History and Culture
At Marrakech Riad we pride ourselves on offering our guests as much support and information as they require to help them to plan their perfect stay in our beautiful Medina accommodation. Marrakech Morocco, a world heritage site
Marrakech is a culturally rich and diverse city, it has fascinating and complex historical influences. The culture, architecture, cuisine and people of this great red city all reflect the influence of traders, inhabitants and rulers who have gone before. We research and write about interesting facets of this rich historical background. We hope that these pieces of information will help you to gain an understandingof Marrakech before and during your stay with us.
Argan musicians in Jemaa al-Fnaa
As the sun set’s over the central square of Marrakech, performers, magicians and musicians descend on Jemaa al-Fnaa to perform for the thriving crowds that circulate within the area. One group of musicians who call themselves the ‘Argan group’ have become particularly popular in the square for the atmosphere they create with their array of […]
Amal Saha: Jemaa al Fnaa
You never truly quite know what to expect before venturing into Marrakech’s thriving central hub, Jemaa al-Fnaa. A five minute wander through this ancient space and you will witness acrobats, story tellers and magicians all competing to hold the gaze of the moving crowds. There is one act, however that is perhaps quite different from […]
Gnawa music in the heart of the Medina
From the red city of Marrakech to the sleepy oasis of Essaouira, one thing you will not miss on your visit to Morocco is the intense presence of ‘Gnawa’ music. From single musicians to whole troops practice this art form and you will instantly be able to recognise Gnawa in the streets by the distinctive […]
Camels: majestic beasts of Morocco
Camels have played a important role for North Africans for thousands of years. In ancient times they were crucial as a mode of transport and this tradition continues today in more rural areas of Morocco. The guardian of the Riad Dar Habiba tells me that throughout Morocco these majestic beasts are universally respected. A camels […]
Eid Mubarak: Religious celebrations in Marrakech
As the holy fasting month of Ramadan draws to a close in the world of Islam, the red city of Marrakech comes alive as vibrant religious festivities for Eid go underway. Eid celebrations are split into two parts, ‘Eid al-Fitr’ (festival of the breaking of the fast) which is followed by ‘Eid as-Adha’ (festival of […]
Royalty in the Medina: Bahia Palace
Located in the Mellah district of the Marrakech Medina along Rue Bahia Bab Mellah is Bahia Palace (Palais de la Bahia), just south of the cities central square and a five minute stroll from the Riad Dar Habiba. The Bahia Palace and the stunning sets of tranquil gardens enclosed behind its walls are within easy […]
Chebakia: A Ramadan delicacy
Chebakia is a sesame based cookie, hand folded into the shape of a flower and then fried and coated in honey. During the holy month of Ramadan, Chebakia is one of the many specialties that’s widely consumed throughout Morocco and Marrakech is no exception. Chebakia isn’t only eaten because it’s delicious, for many Moroccans Chebakia […]
The Tankkacht of the Medina – Moroccan copper-work
Marrakech is a ancient city which has acted as a hub of trade and commerce for nearly a thousand years. One of the most fascinating aspects of the cities rich and diverse history that is well worth your attention is it’s relationship with the arts and crafts. From leather, textiles and especially metal, craftsmen and […]
Photography museum in Marrakech
Located just north of Marrakech’s central square only a five minute walk away from Riad Cinnamon is one of the cities popular attractions: la Maison de la Photographie. Established 3 years ago, the photography museum set its aims to founding a cataloged archive of Moroccan history in which the memories of these times gone past could […]
Motorbikes in the Marrakech Medina
Anyone who has experienced Marrakech will know that unlike most Europeans, the Marrakshi are on the move 24/7. Be it by donkey, horse, motorbike or car you will see the local inhabitants speeding through the ancient city all through the day and night. This does indeed give Marrakech a unique atmosphere. At times it feels […]
Street art in Marrakech
Above is an example of the kind of street art that can be seen on a walk through Marrakech. This piece of art is the work of French street artist Christian Guémy who goes under the pseudonym of ‘C215’. Guémy has been described as being akin in style and popularity to British street artist ‘Banksy’ and his stencil […]
Moroccan football
As you explore the areas surrounding the central square (Djemma El Fna) of Marrakech you will come into contact with all kinds of the weird and the wonderful. From snake charmers to acrobats it’s easy to wonder how these individuals started and developed their own unique skills. This is arguably one of the most alluring aspects […]
Moroccan Argan oil – a unique commodity
If, during your stay you find yourself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh for a few hours, by travelling just a few miles from the city outskirts you can not only take a pause to gather your senses but you can also get hands on with a unique aspect of Moroccan agriculture. These are […]
Folk Art Festival Marrakech 2013
For a period of five days, between 17th and 21st of June, Marrakech will be hosting a cultural event of music diversity. At the Folk Art Festival of Marrakech, one of the oldest events of such amplitude, you will see important Moroccan bands like Reggada, Ahwach, Ahidous, Dekka Elmarrakchia, Houara, Elguedra, Rakba, S’kel. The purpose […]
Place Ozadria – the “Tinsmiths square”
Located in the heart of Mellah district, the old Jewish quarter, Place Ozadria also called Place des Ferblantiers is one of the main tourist attractions of Marrakech given the numerous shops and workshops where local craftsmen use to make lamps, candle holders or other glass or metal items from where the name of “tinsmiths square”. […]
Moroccan Prayer Beads – A Humble Story
Commonly clutched in the weathered hands of the older population of Morocco, the Tasbih (pictured) is the highly significant beaded prayer string of the Muslim population. According to the Prophet, these enable all that follow the Islamic religion to pray, give thanks to Allah and acquire a heavenly place in the after life equally, regardless […]
Morocco’s Friday Couscous
Every Friday lunchtime a large ornate clay tagine dish arrives on the ground floor of the charity Henna Café, which is where many visiting guests and local Marrakshi and Marrakshia’s will come to get an education for free in a number of subjects. Aside from the black flags flying aloft the many Mosques around the […]
Moroccan Bread – Sacred and Never Wasted
Bread, or Khobz in Moroccan dialect Arabic, is a staple in Morocco and this is most evident its abundance in what seems like every other shops front while walking round the Medina. Baguettes are eaten for breakfast while a soft round alternative called Kesra accompanies plentiful tagine, salad or sardine lunches and evening meals. Wasted […]
Cutting the onion like a Marrakshi
As Marrakshi women will tell you, food and its preparation is more than just about eating. It is a lifestyle that brings together families, friends, and any visitors to this wonderful city that are open to new experiences. Taking a freshly bought red onion in her hand and a knife in the other, away from any […]
Must visit fish restaurants of Place Jemaa El Fna
Traveling the daily 5 hour round trip to Essouira is what bestows the owners of restaurant 14 and 98 such exquisite, fresh and reasonably priced fish that makes these restaurants a hub of local Moroccans and in the know visitors. This is the numerically marked restaurant market of Jemaa El Fna square that trundles in […]
The zwîna house of the Marrakshi henna artist
Entering a Marrakshi household on a non descript Wednesday evening is an experience filled with warmth, welcome and sharing. As the Henna artist and cook of the Henna Café in the north-west of La Medina, Fatima has been a practicing Nquasha (master of an artform) for over 26 years and a producer of local cuisine […]
The salted walls of Jewish Morocco
The name El Mellah is used to indicate the walled districts that the Jewish population inhabited in the imperial cities and some rural areas of Morocco. The Marrakech Mella was adjoined to the palace of Bahia in the south during the Saadien dynasty as further protection for its valued inhabitants who made an important contribution […]
Secret palace of the Marrakshi Millionaire
A harem of your beautiful women relaxing and natural, greets the Pacha of Marrakech at his grossly decorated palace in the heart of the Marrakshi medina. As the Pacha of Marrakech, most powerful man in Morocco and one of the richest in the world, Themi El Glaoui was able to command great respect and a […]
Last Pasha and Lord of the Atlas
Time and events around “Dar El Bacha,” was difficult for the national unity of Morocco in the turbulent time of the French protectorate. The palace, built in the early twentieth century, was the residence of Thami El Glaoui who, for mutual benefit, brought decisive support to the French “resident” Lyautey based in Marrakech. As a […]
Heating drum skin for Achoura
Riad Denise Masson played host to fest of Moroccan clay drums as the last day of the Islamic Achora festival, celebrating the freeing of Moses from the Egyptians by god and the day Noah left the Ark, rained out over the traditional open riad roof. Entering the performers rehearsal room has a mellow tone, with […]
An Engagement in La Medina
Walking down the street of Souikat market in the North West of the Marrakech Medina you see two men pulling an unwilling full sized ram towards you, it passes and you think nothing of it. An hour later, in the distance pipes and drums begin to play which gradually crescendo and from a distance you […]
Tam Tam Teenagers
Walking through the small streets of La Medina in Marrakech on the 10th day of Murahham (the Islamic calendar) you would be mistaken to think that a micro war has broken out, in fact, this is the exciting and friendly celebration of Achoura. Celebrated by all ages in a variety of ways around the Muslim […]