Religious Holidays
Religious Holidays Morocco is an Arab-Muslim country in North-West Africa, and it celebrates numerous religious festivals throughout the year. The most significant ones are Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Ashura.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, called "Ramadan" in Arabic. It is one of the most important religious events for Muslims. Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, and it typically lasts for 29 or 30 days. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, water, smoking, and other worldly desires. This practice aims to promote patience, spiritual purification, and empathy for the less fortunate, accompanied by prayer and charity. During Ramadan, all adult Muslims—except those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, nursing, or elderly—fast. Ramadan's dates vary each year depending on the Islamic calendar, but it usually falls in spring or summer. When traveling to Morocco during Ramadan, it's important to respect local customs: do not eat, drink, or smoke in public places, especially during the daytime.
Ramadan 2025 dates in Morocco: From the evening of February 28 to March 29.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on the first day after Ramadan, is one of the most significant holidays in Morocco. People wear traditional clothing, attend early morning prayers, and share a special breakfast called "sadaqah al-fitr" with family and friends. The day is filled with feasts, exchanging gifts, and offering blessings to one another.
Eid al-Adha
Also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," Eid al-Adha takes place around the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Isma'il in obedience to God's command. However, Allah replaced Isma'il with a ram, which was then sacrificed. In Morocco, people slaughter livestock (usually sheep, cows, or camels) and share the meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Ashura
Ashura, meaning "the tenth" in Arabic, refers to the 10th day of the first month in the Islamic calendar. For Shia Muslims, this day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala. While celebrations in Morocco are relatively modest, there are still religious activities and gatherings.
Berber Festivals - Yennayer (Berber New Year)
Yennayer is the traditional New Year of the Berber people, celebrated on January 12th or 13th. It marks the start of the Berber calendar year. Celebrations include wearing traditional clothing, preparing festive meals, singing, dancing, and various cultural activities.
National Holidays
In addition to religious holidays and the Berber New Year, Morocco observes 9 official national holidays:
1. New Year's Day (January 1)
2. Labour Day (Fête du Travail, May 1)
3. Independence Day (November 18): This holiday marks the day Morocco gained independence from French colonial rule in 1956. The nation commemorates this with events, parades, and cultural performances.
4. King’s Throne Day (National Day, July 30): King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne is celebrated on this day with national festivities, including parades and public events.
5. Green March Day (November 6): The Green March commemorates the day in 1975 when Morocco organized a peaceful march to reclaim the disputed Western Sahara region.
6. Revolution Day of the King and People (August 20): This day honors the joint struggle of the Moroccan people and their king against colonial rule in 1953.
7. Youth Day (August 21): This holiday recognizes the contributions of young Moroccans to the country’s development.
8. Restoration of the Sahara Day (February 28): This day marks Morocco’s reclaiming of Western Sahara after the 1975 Green March, a significant event in the nation’s history.
9. Moroccan Kingdom Day (March 3): Celebrated to commemorate the establishment of Morocco as an independent kingdom, this day features cultural exhibitions and events showcasing the country’s heritage.
