Morocco is a cultural gem. Open to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, the Kingdom of Morocco is known for the fusion of Arabic and African cultures that has given birth to a rich heritage-worthy of being explored. With this mix of traditions, Morocco presents a platform where you get to experience diverse practices, which are also reflected in the public festivals and holidays of the country. There are many holidays celebrated by Moroccans publicly. While many of these belong to Islamic traditions, others are observed in accordance with international standards.
On all holidays, major markets, businesses and schools remain closed. While the country observes the religious or international sentiment behind the holiday, the ever energetic population of Morocco is seen on the streets with friends and family making the most of these holidays. Moreover, in case of religious holidays like Eid Milad un Nabi, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha, all notable mosques and major religious landmarks are lit up with festive lights while gatherings are arranged on a mass scale to commemorate the occasion. While you are traveling to Morocco, you may want to note when these holidays fall.
Similarly, on New Years Eve and Independence Day, just like in any other country, Morocco is ablaze with lights and flags in celebration of the occasions.
Islamic Holidays
Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
This holiday is celebrated on 12th Rabbi-ul-Awal to mark the birth of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Being an Islamic Kingdom, the most prominent religion in the country is Islam with 99% of its majority being Muslims.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on 1st Shawwal after Ramadan, the month of fasting, ends. Eid ul Fitr is one of the most important religious events in the country which Moroccans celebrate with festivities like meeting family members, cooking delicacies and enjoying shopping and eateries in the Medina.
Eid-ul Adha
This holiday is celebrated on 10th Dhul-Hajjah after the Annual Pilgrimage for Muslims. On this day, Muslims in Morocco sacrifice cows, sheep and goats to fulfill a divine commandment from God.
The Muslim New Year
The Muslim New Year is celebrated on 1st Muharram (which is the first month of the Islamic Lunar Calender).
Public Holidays
New Years Day
This public holiday is celebrated on 1st January to mark the beginning of a new year of the Georgian Calender.
Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated on 1st May as part of the international recognition of labor rights and their protection.
Proclamation of Independence
This public holiday is celebrated on 11th January to celebrate the independence of Morocco from European power.
Throne Day Morocco
Throne Day is celebrated on 30th July in honor of the monarch that has been a symbol of democracy, leadership and the control of Islamic power in the country since its inception.
Oued Ed-Dahab
This holiday is celebrated on 14th August to commemorate the anniversary of the occasion when the province of Qued Ed-Dahab was freed from Spanish occupation. The day marks a long and hard struggle for Moroccans. The day is marked to celebrate unity, complete power and autonomy on August 14 every year.
Green March
This is celebrated on 6th November as a remembrance of the mass strategic demonstration in 1975. With this protest, the Moroccan government demanded the freedom of the disputed territory of Sahara from Spanish control. Some 350,000 civilians escorted by 25000 Moroccan troops took part in the demonstration, which later became the Western Sahara War.
Revolution of King and the People
This is celebrated on 20th August. It marks the struggle that Moroccans and the then King, Sultan Mohammad V, went through to make the country independent of Spanish and French control. The day is spent reliving the memories of all those who gave their lives and made other sacrifices for the country and its people.
Being one of the few global countries to have such a diverse yet peaceful environment, Morocco has managed to create a balance between local and foreign influences. For centuries, it has been successful in combining its Berber, Jewish, Arabic, French, Spanish and Anglo American influences into a rich mix of culture that is cherished by tourists today. Hence, a fair representation is given to all religions, cultures and traditions.