Rabat – Marrakech has smashed a Guinness World Record hosting the longest storytelling session ever. The event lasted an incredible 80 hours and 35 minutes, bringing together over 100 storytellers from around the world.
The record-breaking feat took place during the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival, which ran from January 19 to 26. The festival took place at the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This year’s festival theme was “Bahja,” which means “joy” in Arabic. “It reflects everything Marrakech stands for—happiness, hospitality, and living in the moment,” the president of the festival, Mike Wood, told Morocco World News in an interview.
Jemaa el-Fna is “the heart of storytelling,” said Wood. It is where “the thread of tradition is woven into every word.”
The Marrakech festival started with a colorful and joyful parade through the bustling old medina to Jemaa el-Fna. Gnawa and Issawa musicians filled the air with vibrant rhythms, creating a lively atmosphere.
Simon Martin, the British Ambassador to Morocco, loves this festival. “This event grows in energy every year,” he told MWN. “It’s wonderful to see Moroccan and international storytellers coming together, sharing their craft, and learning from each other.”
“The workshops they run in schools are incredible. They’ve reached 5,000 students, teaching them to tell stories and keep the tradition alive,” he added.
The storytelling marathon wasn’t just about breaking records. It was a chance for people from different cultures to share their stories, traditions, and love for the art of storytelling.
By the end of the festival, the city had not only made history but also cemented its reputation as a place where art and tradition bring people together.
