Friday, April 13, 2012

Marché Maroc Fès artisanal craft fair begins April 23rd


The United States Peace Corps and USAID is holding the annual Marché Maroc artisanal craft fair in Fès. The four-day fair begins Monday, April 23rd, and ends Thursday, April 26th, from 11:00 – 19:00 daily.


Marché Maroc Fès will showcase the work of diverse artisan groups from the various regions of Morocco. The artisans themselves will sell their goods in a comfortable, haggle-free atmosphere. Some of the artisans will demonstrate their craft at the fair—woodcarving, couscous rolling, wool spinning, and others.

This fair brings artisans directly to the customer in a market that is often dominated by middlemen. Products offered at the craft fair are guaranteed authentic and hand-made, and will be sold at fixed prices. This is an opportunity to support the culturally rich artisan community of Morocco and gain access to fine examples of the country’s handicrafts.

Although the craft fairs to date have been made possible largely due to the Peace Corps’ involvement, future fairs will be wholly artisan-run and organized. Peace Corps is transitioning out of its work in the small business development sector at year’s end.

The Marché Maroc series also organizes artisanal craft fairs in Marrakech, Rabat, and Essaouira.

The United States Peace Corps is a federal organization with more than 50 years of Volunteer service in countries around the world. Volunteers commit to 27 months of service in countries like Morocco and 78 others. The Peace Corps has a long and successful history of service in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The craft fair will take place in the open-air courtyard of the Cultural Complex, Al Hourya, Avenue de la Palestine, in Ville Nouvelle. The fair is next to the Imam Malik Mosque, within walking distance of Gare de Fès, and a short taxi ride from the old Medina.


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