If you’re looking for a taste of Moroccan culture then a visit to our local Wednesday souk in Aourir (more commonly know as Banana Village to visitors) is an absolute must! Aptly named due to the abundance of bananas grown in the village, Aourir is just 5 minutes by bus or taxi from Surf Star and boasts a thriving souk every Wednesday from dusk ‘til dawn. Loaded with colours, smells, and sights for you to discover, an hour spent at this eye-popping destination will leave you totally immersed in Moroccan culture.
Expect to see everything from magnificent piles of spices, colourful olives, herbal teas, dried fruit and nuts and an endless selection of fresh in-season vegetables, to the most alluring traditional Moroccan jewellery, clothes, rugs and artisan.
With so much to look at your senses will have to work overtime to take it all in but rest assured, you can keep your energy levels up and your taste buds tantalised with plenty of Moroccan street food stalls dotted about the souk. Delicious macaroons cost only 1dh (what they lack in size they make up for in flavour). You’ll also find corn on the cob, kidney beans and chickpeas cooked and enveloped in spices, ready to be served and enjoyed hot for only 2dh. One of our favourites has to be the sugar cane juice made right in front of you to enjoy, as you give your self a rest before continuing on your spree. Mixed with either ginger root or squeezed lime – plastic free and just 5dh!
Not only will your senses be treated by the colours, sounds and smells, you will also be spoiled by the fruit and nut venders, who will tempt you in with a try of one of everything, before you decide what to buy (a time consuming but incredibly enjoyable process given so much choice!) You will certainly leave with a big smile on your face and a very full belly!
Whilst it’s more than exciting to lose yourself in the throng and thrill of buying here, what’s also so special about this experience is being surrounded by, and interacting with the locals. You’ll be sure to come across some of the most hospitable and generous Moroccans in the village, stay long enough at one stall and you will have been offered tea, biscuits and stories of Moroccan past aplenty!
Half an hour will be enough time to find your way around the souk and a good hour will leave you plenty of time to barter (an absolute must here). Enjoy the food and get lost in the colourful material swaying from the makeshift wooden frames. Be sure to take your own basket/reusable bag to avoid having to buy the plastic carrier bags offered to you at each vender by children. Only 1dh, but easily saved.
Each and every stall is erected and dissembled in one day, beautifully presented, and shown off to locals and visitors alike. Pass by the road the souk is situated on any other day, and you will see a vast and deserted area near the estuary; remarkable to think of the time and effort that goes in each and every Wednesday and a must see if you are staying in the local area!
All photos by the talented and lovely Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod.
