Marche Maroc Fes

We recently returned from another Marche Maroc—this time in Fes. The venue was in the Cultural Complex which has great visibility on a busy street. Some of us had spent a day or two the week before putting out flyers and posters to the tourist areas in the city, hoping to maximize tourist traffic. There was a typical snag in setting up. A large pile of dirt and rubble that was supposed to be removed the week before was still in the middle of the area where the tents for the artisans were to be set up. Several PCVs ended up having to do the shoveling to get the area cleaned up in time. Nothing ever goes smoothly. But overall, the fair appeared to be a success. The first two days were hot and sunny and the third day was cool and overcast, but we managed to avoid the rain. The crowd on Friday was mostly Moroccan and on the weekend, mostly tourists. This was interesting as the Moroccans bought very different items than the tourists. We will need products that appeal to both markets in this kind of venue. The Adwal women sold more than they did in Marrakech which was encouraging. I think they got a good idea of what tourists want—small packable items in earth tone colors—not the pink and gold combinations that Moroccans like. Adwal sold woven cushion covers, fabrics, natural dyed wool carpets, and all but one of their hand-woven shawls, and that one had bold hot pink and turquoise stripes—colors that only a Lady Gaga could rock.

It wasn’t all work. One night we split a real steak and green salad that was as good as any we’ve had anywhere. Another night we had half-price drinks on the terrace of the Mezzanine on soft ponjs with views of the gardens, charcoal brassieres and a small chandelier! Yes, there is happy hour in Fes.