Morocco, with its rich history and diverse cultural influences, celebrates a blend of religious, national, and traditional holidays. Here's an overview of the main public holidays in Morocco:
New Year's Day (Jour de l'An) - January 1: As in many countries, Moroccans celebrate the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
Manifesto of Independence (Jour du Manifeste de l'Indépendance) - January 11: This day commemorates King Mohammed V's call for independence from France in 1944.
Labour Day (Fête du Travail) - May 1: This is a day to honor the country's workforce.
Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr): Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The date varies based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Throne Day (Fête du Trône) - July 30: Celebrates the enthronement of the current king, Mohammed VI, in 1999.
Oued Ed-Dahab Day (Fête de l'Oued Ed-Dahab) - August 14: Commemorates the return of the Oued Ed-Dahab region to Morocco from Spain.
Revolution of the King and the People (Révolution du Roi et du Peuple) - August 20: Remembers King Mohammed V's return from exile in 1953 and the uprising against French colonial rule.
Youth Day (Fête de la Jeunesse) - August 21: Celebrated in honor of King Mohammed VI's birthday.
Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha): Also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice", this holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian traditions) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The date varies each year according to the Islamic calendar.
Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah): The day marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The date varies each year.
Green March (Marche Verte) - November 6: Celebrates a peaceful march organized in 1975 during which thousands of Moroccans marched to the southern borders to press for the return of the Saharan provinces from Spanish control.
Independence Day (Fête de l'Indépendance) - November 18: Marks the end of the French protectorate and the return of King Mohammed V from exile in 1955.
In addition to these national holidays, Morocco also celebrates the Islamic holiday of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mouloud), which, like other Islamic holidays, is determined by the lunar calendar.
Note: On Islamic holidays, the exact date varies from one year to the next, as they're based on the lunar Hijri calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
