Morocco’s best-known celebrations are Islamic, but they revolve around food, family and community, and Moroccan hospitality makes it easy for visitors to share in them. Alongside these religious holidays, cultural festivals offer a window onto the country’s ancient traditions.
Religious holidays
Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move forward by about eleven days each year. Check the dates for your travel year before you book.
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Days are quieter and some restaurants close at lunchtime. Travellers are not expected to fast, but eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day is considered disrespectful. Evenings are festive: sharing iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, with locals is a special experience.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with family visits and feasting. Many businesses close for the holiday.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Families sacrifice a sheep or goat, then spend several days feasting together. Many shops and restaurants close, and transport is very busy as people travel home.
Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday)
A national holiday celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Mosques are decorated and stalls appear nearby selling snacks and crafts.
Cultural festivals
Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year (January)
The Amazigh (Berber) New Year marks the start of the agricultural year. It is celebrated most warmly in Amazigh regions such as the Atlas Mountains.
Almond Blossom Festival, Tafraoute (February)
When the almond trees bloom around Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas, the town celebrates with music, Amazigh hospitality and almond-based dishes.
International Nomads Festival, M’Hamid el Ghizlane
Held in the Draa Valley at the edge of the Sahara, this open-air festival celebrates nomadic cultures with music, dance, talks and food.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (spring)
Artists from around the world perform spiritual and traditional music in historic venues across the medina of Fez.
Travelling during a festival
Festivals are a wonderful time to experience Moroccan life, but some services may be limited. We can adapt your private itinerary around holiday dates or help you join a festival. Contact us to plan your trip.