The Resilience of Street Vendors in Al-Raha Post-Earthquake
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, the Al-Raha area, once bustling with tourists, now faces a slow recovery. Among the resilient vendors is Si Mohammed, a sixty-year-old street vendor who descends daily from his mountain home to sell decorative necklaces made from local stones. The earthquake disrupted not only the landscape but also the livelihoods of many in the region, including Si Mohammed, who relies on the sale of these unique pieces to support his family.
Before the disaster, Al-Raha was a vibrant hub for tourists traveling between Marrakech and the scenic villages of the Al Haouz Mountains. Today, it features only nine restaurants, serving traditional Moroccan dishes like meat tagines and tea, as the flow of visitors has significantly dwindled. Street vendors like Si Mohammed, who once thrived on the influx of tourists, now find themselves waiting for the return of their customers, hoping for a resurgence in trade.
Si Mohammed's approach to selling is a stark contrast to modern advertising techniques; he employs calm and persuasive methods learned from his mountain upbringing. Despite his health struggles, including a kidney condition, he passionately promotes his merchandise, claiming the necklaces are not only beautiful but also beneficial to health, as they are made from natural stones that do not cause skin irritation.
The prices of these handmade necklaces range from 10 dirhams ($1) to 80 dirhams ($8), but Si Mohammed reveals that he often negotiates prices to ensure a sale, highlighting the economic pressures faced by vendors in this challenging climate. The stones used in his crafts are sourced from various mountains, including the iconic Mount Toubkal, adding a layer of cultural significance to each piece.
Despite government support for earthquake victims, street vendors like Si Mohammed feel overlooked. They rely on their small, unregulated industry for survival, and as they await the return of tourists, they cling to hope for a brighter future. As Si Mohammed puts it, “The important thing is to sell in order to live,” embodying the spirit of resilience that characterizes the people of Al-Raha.
