Morocco Public Holidays

Morocco Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Morocco? All public holidays in Morocco are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Morocco employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Morocco and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Morocco, a country rich in culture and tradition, celebrates a blend of religious, national, and historical public holidays. These holidays reflect the nation’s Islamic heritage, historical milestones, and royal significance. The public holidays in Morocco are observed across the country, bringing communities together in reflection, celebration, and sometimes solemn commemoration.

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Religious Holidays

As an Islamic country, Morocco’s religious holidays follow the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, which is lunar-based. This means the dates of these holidays change annually according to the sighting of the moon. According to listofledlights.com, the two major Islamic holidays observed in Morocco are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, along with other significant religious events.

Eid al-Fitr

• Date: The first day of Shawwal (10th month of the Islamic calendar), following the month of Ramadan
• Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
• Traditions:
  • Families gather for large feasts after the month-long daytime fasting.
  • People wear new clothes and attend the special Eid prayers at mosques and open prayer areas.
  • Charity and giving, known as Zakat al-Fitr, is a key part of this celebration, with donations given to those in need before the Eid prayers.

Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

• Date: The 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic calendar)
• Significance: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, later replaced by a ram. This event coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Traditions:
  • Families slaughter a sheep or goat as a symbolic gesture, and the meat is divided among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
  • Large communal prayers are held, and people visit relatives, exchanging food and gifts.
  • Special attention is given to sharing with the poor, emphasizing generosity and compassion.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

• Date: The 1st of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar)
• Significance: Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and commemorates the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
• Traditions:
  • Though quieter than other holidays, families often gather for prayers and reflections.
  • It is a day for spiritual reflection, with some choosing to fast in observance.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

• Date: The 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal (the third month of the Islamic calendar)
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
• Traditions:
  • Religious gatherings are held where people recite the Quran, sing religious songs (nasheeds), and listen to sermons about the Prophet’s life.
  • In some regions, processions and public celebrations are organized, especially in cities like Fez and Marrakech.
  • Families share meals together and give to the poor as a sign of devotion.

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National and Historical Holidays

Morocco’s national holidays honor significant events in the country’s history, including its independence, the reign of the monarchy, and key moments in the struggle for freedom. These holidays are deeply tied to the country’s identity and are celebrated with pride.

Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance)

• Date: November 18
• Significance: Commemorates the official recognition of Morocco’s independence from French and Spanish colonial rule in 1956.
• Traditions:
  • National parades, speeches, and official ceremonies are held across the country, with the King often making an address.
  • Flags are prominently displayed, and fireworks mark the celebrations in some cities.
  • Schools and government offices are closed, and people reflect on Morocco’s journey to sovereignty.

Throne Day

• Date: July 30
• Significance: Celebrates the ascension of the reigning monarch to the throne, currently King Mohammed VI, who succeeded his father, King Hassan II, in 1999.
• Traditions:
  • A grand ceremony is held at the Royal Palace, attended by government officials, foreign dignitaries, and citizens.
  • Fireworks, concerts, and public festivities are organized nationwide, especially in major cities like Rabat and Casablanca.
  • People express their loyalty to the monarchy, and it is a day of national unity.

Green March Day

• Date: November 6
• Significance: Commemorates the Green March of 1975, a peaceful demonstration in which 350,000 Moroccans marched into the Western Sahara to claim the region as part of Morocco.
• Traditions:
  • Public speeches and events are held to remember this pivotal moment in Morocco’s territorial history.
  • Schools and government offices are closed, and people engage in discussions and media events to reflect on the significance of the march.
  • The day is a symbol of peaceful resistance and national solidarity.

King and People’s Revolution Day

• Date: August 20
• Significance: Marks the anniversary of the 1953 exile of King Mohammed V by French authorities and the strong bond between the monarchy and the Moroccan people, which eventually led to Morocco’s independence.
• Traditions:
  • The day is celebrated with public speeches, parades, and a sense of national pride.
  • Events often focus on the unity between the Moroccan people and their king, and the resilience that led to the country’s liberation.
  • Historical documentaries and programs are broadcast on national television.

Oued Ed-Dahab Day

• Date: August 14
• Significance: Celebrates the reintegration of the Oued Ed-Dahab region (part of Western Sahara) into Moroccan territory in 1979.
• Traditions:
  • Commemorative ceremonies and parades are held in the southern regions of Morocco, particularly in Laayoune and Dakhla.
  • It is a day of remembrance and pride, especially for those living in the region.
  • The event emphasizes Morocco’s commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty.

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Cultural and International Holidays

In addition to religious and national holidays, Morocco also celebrates several internationally recognized holidays that reflect the country’s participation in global events and its rich cultural diversity.

New Year’s Day

• Date: January 1
• Significance: Like many countries worldwide, Morocco celebrates the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Traditions:
  • While it is not as widely observed as Islamic holidays, some Moroccans attend New Year’s Eve parties, particularly in major cities like Casablanca and Rabat.
  • Fireworks, concerts, and celebrations are often held in tourist areas, though New Year’s is a more subdued holiday compared to Islamic or national celebrations.

International Workers’ Day (Labor Day)

• Date: May 1
• Significance: Celebrates the contributions of workers and highlights labor rights in Morocco.
• Traditions:
  • Labor unions and workers’ organizations organize marches and rallies to advocate for improved labor conditions and policies.
  • Some government offices and schools close for the day, while many in the private sector take time to relax with family and friends.

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Observance and Public Participation

Government and Business Closures

• On religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, most businesses, government offices, and schools close for the day, and the holiday celebrations often extend over multiple days.
• During national holidays, particularly Independence Day and Throne Day, government offices are closed, but many private sector businesses remain open, especially in tourist areas.

Public Celebrations

• Morocco’s religious holidays are deeply personal and often celebrated within the family, with strong spiritual significance. However, these holidays also bring together entire communities at local mosques or public prayer grounds.
• National holidays like Independence Day and Throne Day are marked with public events such as parades, speeches, and fireworks, with a strong sense of patriotism displayed by the citizens.

Tourist Participation

• Morocco’s public holidays, particularly cultural and religious ones like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nabi, provide tourists with unique opportunities to experience the country’s rich traditions. Visitors often witness local customs, family gatherings, and colorful festivities.
• National holidays such as Throne Day and Independence Day also offer a glimpse into Morocco’s history and the importance of the monarchy, often accompanied by public events and grand celebrations in major cities.