Discover Morocco’s cultural tapestry
From ancient cities to vibrant markets and empowering women’s initiatives
There is electricity in the air in Marrakesh. This city centers around Morocco’s culture, which plunges the senses into overload through its colourful winding streets, lively markets, and narrow alleyways that snake through the city. It’s a place where you will come across seemingly random moments, like seeing snake charmers in the main square. But as you immerse yourself in the culture, you’ll see why a snake can be so easily charmed. There is no other place quite like it. The culture is a blend of Berber, Arab, European, and African influences that shape language, art, architecture, and customs.
Morocco’s Cultural Icon
The Bahia Palace was built to be the most important palace of its time when it was constructed in the 19th century. It features stunning stuccos, paintings, a two-acre garden, and rooms that open onto the courtyard. The beautiful tiled floors and grand court showcase an Islamic and Moroccan style.
The palace was transformed into an iconic site to celebrate Moroccan culture in 1956, following the country's independence from France, which the French had initially used as a royal residence.
Empowering Women Through Cultural Change
Amal Women’s Training Centre (Credit: The Weather Network)
Women make up twenty-five percent of the workforce, and their labour is often undervalued and unpaid. At Marrakesh’s Amal women’s training centre, they have committed to changing this culture. It began in 2013 as a safe and nurturing space where strong and resilient women can step into power, gain visibility, and reshape the cultural narrative. They offer interactive cooking classes where women learn the skills to become chefs.
It’s an incredible and empowering place to enjoy a meal, where their social gastronomy restaurant serves seasonal dishes with a different menu each day. It’s one spot in the city where you should plan to dine and support their cause.
Enchanting Escapes
Le Jardin Secret, Marrakesh, Morocco. (Credit: Getty Images)
Like an oasis in the desert, the Jardin Majorelle is an enchanting 9,000 m² garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, situated in the heart of Marrakech. It's filled with striking, colourful buildings that combine Art Deco and Moorish architectural styles, including a distinctive cobalt blue pattern that has become its signature: Majorelle Blue.
This villa sanctuary was envisioned by Majorelle in 1922, with a focus on planting exotic botanicals from around the world. It was saved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980 to prevent the space from being demolished by hotel developers. Saint Laurent once said he often dreamt of the space’s unique colours, and in this place that has become an iconic cultural destination, so will you.
The Art of the Bargain
(Credit: The Weather Network)
If you love shopping, the markets of Marrakesh are renowned worldwide and are the ultimate travel destination for souvenir hunters. Shopkeepers fill their storefronts with colourful lamps, unique accessories, and exotic spices like those in the famous medina’s Koutoubia Spice Shop. Aside from stores with fixed prices, nothing displays a price tag for a reason. Shopping like a local means you need to brush up on your bartering skills. The price stated will be inflated. You are expected to negotiate a price you are willing to pay.
It’s an art where some good strategies involve offering a price that is half of what they are asking for, then negotiating from there. Be polite, friendly, and play the game where acting disinterested may prevent driving up the price. Put your inhibitions aside, but also be fair. Sometimes you might have to walk away and come back later to try again. It’s part of the cultural dance, so enjoy the experience. It will give you a story to tell, even if you don’t walk away with that souvenir.
Architecture and Social Customs
(Credit: Collette)
Moroccan architecture reflects the culture, with buildings showcasing the country’s values, beliefs, and history. An example is the construction style of old-world ksars. Ksars are fortified towns with high walls and defensive towers surrounding earthen clay structures. At the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 17th-century ksar has attracted Hollywood's attention and appears in movies and TV shows such as The Mummy, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator. Here, visitors can walk the ancient streets lined with traditional earthen clay houses, many towering, and imagine caravans stopping en route to Marrakech.
Like every culture, Morocco has social customs. Moroccan food, for example, is a rich blend of flavours, but it comes with a distinctive etiquette. When sitting down to enjoy the local cuisine, always eat with your right hand. Culturally, the right hand is used for eating because it is considered hygienic. The left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene tasks. Use your thumb and first two fingers to pick up food, as using your entire hand can be seen as a sign of gluttony. It’s acceptable to pick up bread with your left hand or to pass dishes around the table.
Morocco’s culture combines historical influences with strong traditions, and the best way to experience it is through a reputable tour company like Collette. They will immerse you in the culture for a truly cherished experience.
Discover more of what Morocco has to offer, here!