This Moroccan traditional musician and singer struck me as quite talented. His performance was not only spot on, but he had a fun, subtle way of working the crowd. We enjoyed his show a lot.
Essaouira is a coastal town and was our favorite stop in Morocco. It’s as much about atmosphere and attitude as things to do. Definitely a stop worth a few days of your time.
The medina in Essaouira is nice. It’s very active and has lots of interesting stuff going on and plenty of back streets to explore, but it’s never so sprawling that you feel like you’re going to get lost – at least not for any length of time.
There is, though, a touristy area of the Medina, near the entrance that leads to the seaside boardwalk. This is where the street performers gather to entertain tourists and collect proffered tips as they sip coffee and dive into tagine. It’s a fair exchange and the performers are mostly quite good.
However, don’t limit yourself to the touristy area. Dive in and really explore this medina. This is where Essaouira is particularly nice. You can go wandering and shopping by yourself and not get pressured or harassed. It was definitely a friendlier atmosphere than some of Morocco’s medinas.
The blend of the guitar-esque instrument being played with a bow is cool. I think it might be a rebab, but I’m not sure. If you know what it is, please share it in the comments.
And the fact that his choice of shoes contributes to the act make this a fun performance.
Don’t miss our other short video of Moroccan medina musicians – they’re lots of fun, too.
If you get to Morocco, make time for Essaouira, its docks, its medina, and, oh yeah, the goats in the trees. Seriously, hire a driver, go out early and tell him you want to see the tree climbing goats. While I’ve heard tale of goats being tied to the trees, I’ve seen no evidence of that. It would be foolish to risk hurting a goat, a valuable asset, for a few tourist dollars. Besides, the goats climb in the trees willingly to get at the berries. That’s how the whole thing started.
FAQ
The medina is the historic old town of Essaouira, located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Formerly known as Mogador, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its well-preserved architecture and lively souks (markets).
The medina of Essaouira is known for its well-preserved architecture, including the ramparts and Skala de la Ville, a 18th-century fortress. The souks, or markets, are also popular attractions, offering a wide range of traditional Moroccan crafts and goods. Visitors can also find traditional hammams (bathhouses), art galleries, and traditional Moroccan restaurants.
The best time to visit the medina of Essaouira is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are not as heavy as in the summer. However, the medina is lively all year round, and many festivals and events are held in the area throughout the year.
Visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions. Bargaining is expected in the markets, but it should be done in a friendly and respectful manner. It’s also important to note that it’s common to remove shoes before entering a mosque or a private home, and to avoid taking photos of people without their permission.
The best thing to do is to just go and wander around. It is not so large of a medina and you’re not likely to get very lost. And if you do, there are plenty of friendly locals to get you pointed in the right direction. Essaouira was one of the friendliest towns we encountered in Morocco.
If you don’t feel like wandering on your own, you can hire a local guide. Ask at your hotel or auberge.
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