Marrakech 3rd International Storytelling Festival took place in January this year.
Marrakech is truly magical. It does feel like stepping back in time. The big, famous square, Jemaa El Fna is a melting pot of cultures, sounds and smells.
There, at the edge of the square, and right opposite the bustling labyrinth of the Medina's markets, close to snake charmers, acrobats, musicians, fruit juice and date stalls that defied gravity, stood an inviting large tent.
Stories, in particular the Guiness Book of World Records, happened in the tent or right on the square. What a feast for the imagination. Even the stories told in Darija, the local dialect, or Arabic, French touched one deeply.
Stories and workshops were offered throughout the Medina.
Sitting with and sharing stories with tellers from 33 countries, is what nurtured and inspired me. Meeting old friends from other international festivals, making new friends was so joyous.
Joy, BAHJA ( joy and healing) was this year's festival theme. What a reflection of the beautiful and hospitable people of Marrakesh.
A most colourful parade from the Storytelling Cafe to Jemaa El Fna with local, traditional musicians, tellers, organisers opened the festival and invited locals and tourists to experience and revive the ancient art of storytelling.
Another highlight was visiting many different schools and sharing stories, spreading joy.
Did I mention the food? With full hearts, we were able to sample the delicious Morrocan cuisine in restaurants or the famed street food in the square.
Hats off to the organisers John Row, Zouhair, Lucy and Mike Anderson who managed to guide a 'gathering of storytellers' through a city in such a relaxed way, that it seemed easy. No mean feat.
A last heartfelt word about the young volunteers who gracefully, patiently assisted, translated, found us at times( easy to get lost) and showed us that joy de vivre is the essence of the Marrakech Storytelling Festival.
The stories.....oh the stories...
As you can tell, I have not quite come down from that magic carpet.
Watch Evita speak about storytelling at the Marrakech Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEhI8SIsL_A