Marrakech Cracks Down on Tourist Scams in Iconic Jamaa El Fna Square

Mythical, this square nevertheless has a very bad reputation, internationally, in particular for the prices charged by certain merchants or by those supposed to entertain the public. This is the case of snake charmers and those who exhibit Barbary macaques to tourists, then ask hundreds of dirhams for a simple photo.

In order to leave a good impression on tourists, whether local or foreign, all those who intervene on this square will have to display their prices. The snake charmer has the obligation not only to have an ID badge but also to have a price list for the services offered.

Another novelty: the women who do tattoos on the square. They will have to display the prices of their services and have their faces uncovered. No more burqas and all other veils completely covering the face. In reality, there is nothing religious in this dress practice. But the women who do this job do not want their relatives to recognize them. They will now have to show their face or change jobs.