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Jemaa El Fnaa: Time Lapse Video and Photos of Marrakech’s Busiest Square


Snake handler with his charges on Jemaa el Fnaa

My trip to Marrakech was my first with my new iPhone 5s and I wanted to check out the slow motion video feature everyone was raving about. Unfortunately, I discovered the slo-mo only works if you send the video from your iPhone to another iDevice. The video plays normal speed when you upload to YouTube. It’s still pretty cool and the sounds give you a good feeling of the craziness that is Jemaa El Fna.

Snake charmer on Jemaa el Fnaa

Water Carriers on Jemaa El Fnaa (shot using Hipstamatic)

Henna Painting on Jemaa el Fnaa

Henna is a popular souvenir to take home from Marrakech. You can find henna painters like this one on Jemaa El Fna.

Figs, dates, and dried fruits for sale on Jemaa El Fnaa

In addition to snake handlers, musicians and acrobats, Jemaa El Fnaa also is one huge food court selling everything from fresh and dried fruit to roast meat on skewers.

Looking down at Jemaa El Fnaa

For the best view at Sunset, head to the Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier on the Square. There is no web site, no phone, and address is simple:  Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech, Morocco. Grab a mint tea and watch the sunset over the square and the night action begin. I set up my iPhone on a tripod and sipped mint tea while I shot this timelapse video.

Time Lapse of Sunset Over Jemaa El Fna Square in Marrakech

Laterns after dark on Jemaa El Fnaa

The square stays busy after dark. Sellers sill peddle their wares and the food stalls smell exotic and delicious.

Nightscape of Jemaa El Fnaa

Travel Tip: Never trust the signs around the medina pointing you to Jemaa El Fnaa. The local kids are known to move them around and confuse you so they can earn a few Dirhams showing you the correct direction to the big square.