Marrakech’s Iconic Jemaa El-Fna Square to Remove Horse-Drawn Carriages, Sparking Controversy

The horse-drawn carriage drivers, familiar elements of Jemaa El-Fna Square, are opposing the project to relocate their station. They believe that their presence contributes to the square’s tourist appeal and that their relocation would affect their income.

Mohamed El Idrissi, the first deputy mayor of Marrakech in charge of public works, interviewed by Le360, justified this decision by the need to redevelop Jemaa El-Fna Square. The removal of the horse-drawn carriage station aims to improve the organization and aesthetics of this major tourist site.

The vice-president in charge of public works assured that the new site would offer adequate working conditions for the coachmen and their clients, specifying that the municipality’s desire is to reconcile urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The city hall states that this decision aims to enhance Jemaa El-Fna Square and that the involvement of professionals in decisions related to the organization of their activity remains a priority.