The Moroccan Public Hammam: A Cherished Family Tradition
For many Moroccans, visiting a public hammam is a deeply satisfying ritual centered on cleansing, relaxation and well-being. Although hammams are generally open throughout the week, many families prefer to visit on weekends, when they can bring their young children and enjoy the ritual together.
Public hammams traditionally have separate entrances or designated areas for women and men. Admission tickets are usually purchased at the entrance and presented inside. For an additional fee, an attendant may look after visitors’ clothing and personal belongings during the bathing ritual. Traditionally, the bundle or bag used to carry clothing to the hammam is called a rezma.
The best time to visit a traditional Moroccan hammam is early in the morning, before it becomes crowded. Arriving early may also reduce your wait for a kessal or kessala.
A kessal—or kessala for women—is a hammam attendant who performs the traditional body exfoliation using a Kessa glove. Hammam attendants may receive a base salary, but tips from customers often represent an important part of their income. Tipping practices vary by hammam, location and service.
To experience the full ritual, bring Moroccan Black Soap and a good-quality Kessa glove. The black soap softens and prepares the skin, while the glove helps lift away dead skin cells. Many Moroccan women also bring traditional beauty treatments, such as tbrima, Ghassoul clay, henna or other natural face, hair and body masks.
2 comments
I was in Marrakesh and i tried the Hammam the best feeling and experience :)
Interesting 😊