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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 […]
Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech
If you take a five minute walk from Koutoubia Mosque and Marrakech’s central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) in the direction of the new town of Guillez, you will find the ‘Ensemble Artisanal’. The Ensemble offers the same wide selection of handcrafted goods that you could hope to find in the Souks, however the prices are at […]
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 […]
Tin craftsmen in Marrakech
Although there are a huge variety of crafts being practiced in Marrakech, one that you’re path will definitely cross as you discover what the souk’s have to offer is the Moroccan tin work. After a short walk to Jemaa El Fnaa, I come across some of the striking pieces the Marrakshi craftsmen have to offer. […]
The snake charmers of Jemaa El Fnaa
Snake charming is an ancient skill in Morocco and those who practice this art can always be found in Marrakech’s central square, Jemaa El Fnaa. Although there are a myriad of remarkable sights to be discovered in the centre of the city, the small communities of charmers will perhaps be those you hear, before you […]
Orange juice stalls in the centre of Marrakech
Situated in the middle of Marrakech, the central square (Jemaa El Fnaa) truly can be described as the beating heart of the city and a day spent wandering through the groups of performers, artists and musicians can indeed be thirsty work. So when you’re ready for refreshment there really is no other option than to […]
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 […]
Herb shopping in Marrakech – holistic remedies
Herb shopping is a hugely important role in Moroccan day to day life and during a trip through the souk’s you simply have to get talking to someone in order to discover the fascinating culinary, spiritual and medicinal uses for the herbs you can buy in Marrakech. Here is a list of just a few […]
New travel writing team in Marrakech
This is just a short post to properly introduce ourselves as the new resident travel journalists for the Marrakech-Riad blog. Our team is split into two, on one side is Jamie Horton, owner of Chasing Safety Media and the resident video blogger. Jamie will be joining us for 2 weeks and he’ll be spending his […]
Moroccan hospitality in the Marrakech poultry market
There are 18 souk’s which employ over 40,000 locals of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicity in Marrakech alone. Although that makes for an almost uncountable number of wares to explore and choose from, no adventure in the Marrakshi souk’s is complete without a trip to the poultry market in Marché de Volaille, just a ten minute walk away […]
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 […]
Jemaa el-Fnaa – open air food stalls
Although there are a myriad of restaurants, cafes and food stalls to choose from in Marrakech, your visit won’t be complete without eating out in the central square of Jemaa El Fnaa at least once. As soon as you approach the food stands don’t be surprised to see waiters competing with one another to get […]
New times, new money
The official currency in Morocco is the Dirham (DH), divided into 100 centimes, and the word derives from the Greek Drachmae, meaning ‘handful’. In 2009, a new 50-dirham note appeared, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Central Bank and this was the first commemorative banknote issued in Morocco. Front shows portraits of kings Mohammed VI, […]
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”. […]
Marrakech Simple Yet Delectable Street Food
Dotted around the Medina in Marrakech is what at first glance looks merely like rundown household 70s tiled kitchens but be mistaken as they hold the source of a simple street food that feeds a large selection of the Marrakech population. A large bowl of cooked potato’s and a separate dish of eggs make the […]
Essouira – a Sleepy Seaside Oasis
Stepping back into the turn of the 60s and 70s, inspiring musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones to write some of their most iconic records, is what awaits those visiting the picturesque, humble and historic city of Essouira. For a long time populated heavily by ‘take is at it comes’ hippies, this […]
Setti Fatmas Café’s
The road from Marrakech to Orika Valley’s Setti Fatma is long, straight and stunning. What starts as a long snowcapped penciled horizon above the steering wheel slowly begins to engulf the whole front and side windscreens as you approach the colossal High Atlas Mountains. A small village that is not too far from your Marrakech […]
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 […]
Destinations Travel Show, free tickets available online
Riad Cinnamon, Riad Papillon and Dar Habiba will be featured with HipMarrakech on stand AF7 in the Africa section at the Destinations travel show in Earls Court, London 31 January and 1 2 3 February 2013. To secure FREE tickets to the show follow the link below and use the code MSC68 www.destinationsshowtickets.com There is […]
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 […]