The Storyteller's Hour

This is our essential storytelling session—if you only have an hour in Marrakesh, make it this one. It brings Morocco’s oral heritage to life through folktales, historical narratives, and epic sagas. In a traditional riad or museum, you'll be guided by a professional storyteller who draws from Morocco’s deep well of narrative tradition. In just 45–60 minutes, you’ll be taken on a mythical journey into the heart of Moroccan culture, shaped by generations of spoken word. You’re invited to sit back with a cup of Moroccan tea as a live musician plays soothing, rhythmic melodies that deepen the emotional resonance of each story. The experience is atmospheric and immersive, led by a trained storyteller who honors a centuries-old tradition where storytelling served as both memory and cultural transmission. Whether you're seeking connection or simply curious, this is a rare and unforgettable window into Morocco’s soul.

This experience connects you to a living tradition that has shaped Moroccan culture for over a thousand years. Storytelling, or hikayat, was once a nightly ritual in homes—an act of passing down wisdom through tales of princes, sultans, and tricksters. It was also the beating heart of Marrakesh’s famed Jemaa el-Fnaa, where hlaykias (storytellers) once held crowds rapt with only a stool, a prop, and their voice. Today, as modern life and technology threaten the future of this oral heritage, a new generation of Moroccan storytellers is working to preserve and reimagine it. This experience is part of that revival. Set in intimate spaces in the medina, it captures the spirit of the traditional hikayat circle—enhanced by live music and mint tea. It’s a chance to slow down, listen deeply, and witness a tradition once on the brink of fading now finding new life through voice, rhythm, and shared memory. This truly captures the intimacy, legacy, and human connection at the heart of hikayat.

The session is hosted by a professional Moroccan storyteller, a master in the art of narrative who has dedicated their career to preserving and sharing Morocco’s oral traditions. Trained in both classical storytelling techniques and modern performance arts, the host is skilled at captivating audiences of all ages. Accompanying the storyteller is a local musician, expert in traditional Moroccan instruments, who has performed in various cultural festivals and venues, adding a layer of authenticity and enchantment to the storytelling.

Comfortable attire to relax and enjoy the session. A camera for capturing the ambiance of the venue. Open heart and curious mind to fully embrace the stories and music.