Holidays

Holidays in Morocco

Desert, beach, lively souks and picturesque hotels are what tourists associate with this African country. The fact that Moroccans also know how to celebrate is shown by the festive calendar.

Overview

New Year – January 01

Public Declaration of Independence Day – January 11

Birthday of Prophet Muhammad ( Milad un Nabi) – Flexible

Labor Day – May 01

Throne Festival – July 30

End of Ramadan – Flexible

Oued Ed-Dahab Day – August 14

Day of Revolution – August 20

Birthday of King Mohammed IV – August 21

Sacrifice Festival (Eid al-Adha) – Flexible

Islamic New Year – Fathih Muharram – Flexible

Anniversary of the Green March (Marrche Verte) – November 06

Independence Day – Flexible

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Public Declaration of Independence Day

On January 11, Moroccans celebrate their independence. Previously, the country was part of France. Tourists and business travelers should be prepared for public buildings and most businesses to be closed on that day.

Throne Festival

The royal family is honored on this day. Parades, dance performances and concerts are held throughout the country. King Mohammed the VI has been Moroccan king since 1999.

The birthday of their king is also worth a holiday to Moroccans.

Anniversary of the Green March

Spain was the colonial power in Western Sahara until 1975. The fact that this territory was divided between Mauritania and Morocco caused, among other things, the “Green March”. During this march, over 300,000 people gathered and marched unarmed into the occupied territories under the leadership of the king.

On the anniversaries of the Green March, the King traditionally addresses his people.

End of Ramadan

The end of Ramadan marks an important date for any traveler to Morocco. Since Ramadan shifts from year to year, holidays should also be planned according to it. During Ramadan, believers are forbidden to eat food during the day. This renunciation also affects everyday life.

Expect delayed buses, closed shops and slow service in the few restaurants that are open and also in hotels.

All the more impressive then is the end of Lent. The whole country turns into an open-air restaurant. If you want to take the opportunity to taste all the delicacies of Morocco in one day, you should choose the end of Ramadan.