Toll Free
1800-787-8806
Morocco
212-618882681
Connect With Us: 1800-787-8806
Ramadan & Islamic Holidays
Morocco Travel Guide: Ramadan, Islamic Holidays and 6 Essential Travel Tips
Understanding Ramadan in Morocco
- Ramadan, the most significant holiday in Islam, occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar is twelve days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing Ramadan to begin earlier each year. During this holy month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast with the Iftar, a special meal shared with family and friends.
Ramadan Fasting: What Visitors Need to Know
- Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activities during daylight hours throughout Ramadan. This practice is seen as a time for spiritual cleansing and self-discipline. While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, it's respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Who is Exempt from Fasting?
Certain groups are exempt from fasting but are expected to make up the days later:
- Menstruating and postpartum women
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Travelers
- Those who are sick or weak
- Children before puberty (although many practice for half the day)
Experiencing Ramadan as a Visitor in Morocco
Are Restaurants Open During Ramadan?
- Most local cafes and restaurants close during the day, with some shutting down for the entire month. However, many tourist-oriented establishments, including all boutique riads and hotels, remain open and serve Western cuisine. These places will serve alcohol to foreigners but not to Moroccans, as it's illegal during Ramadan.
Experiencing Ramadan as a Visitor in Morocco
- IIftar: The Moroccan Breakfast During Ramadan Iftar, meaning "breakfast" in Arabic, is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. In Morocco, Iftar is a cherished tradition and a social event. As the call to prayer sounds and the cannon fires to signal the end of the fasting day, families and friends gather to break their fast. The meal typically begins with dates and milk, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. This is followed by harira, a hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat. The table is often laden with a variety of foods including eggs, sweet chebbakia pastries, savory briouats, and fresh fruits. Mint tea, a Moroccan staple, is served throughout the meal. Experiencing an Iftar in Morocco offers visitors a unique insight into local customs and the spirit of community during Ramadan.
Participating in Iftar: A Must-Have Experience
- An essential experience for visitors during Ramadan is participating in an Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. Many restaurants offer Iftar experiences with entertainment, but for a more authentic experience, consider breaking the fast with a local Moroccan family.
Is Ramadan a Good Time to Visit Morocco?
Visiting Morocco during Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to experience an event that happens only once a year. You'll witness:
- The announcement of cannons signaling the end of the day's fast
- Thousands attending prayer at local mosques
- Tables of food spread out to feed the hungry
- Special Ramadan foods in markets, many of which are prepared only during this holiday
- For food enthusiasts, Ramadan is an ideal time to visit Morocco and sample unique seasonal dishes.
Other Important Islamic Holidays in Morocco
- Aïd el Kebir (Aid el Adha) This "grand festival" occurs 68 days after Aid es Seghir and commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. Families sacrifice a sheep and share the meat at a family meal. In Berber villages, people dress in their best clothes, and women adorn themselves with henna.
- Moharem Observed on the first day of the Islamic calendar, Moharem is a cultural event where Muslims remember the Hijra (migration) to Medina. Some Muslims exchange cards and gifts on this day.
- Mouloud This holiday celebrates the Prophet's birthday and is often accompanied by numerous moussems (local festivals) in the surrounding weeks.
- Ashrou Held thirty days after Aïd el Kebir, Ashorou features music festivals in cities and villages. Families gather for special meals and offer zakat (a tenth of their annual income) to the poor. The Achoura Festival, part of Ashorou, is particularly enjoyable for children.
Moussems: Moroccan Cultural Festivals
Moussems are local and rural celebrations held in honor of saints or marabouts. Two notable moussems are:
- Ben Aissa Moussem in Meknes This largest moussem includes a spectacular fantasia (horse charge with riders firing guns) near Place el Hedim. The two-day festival in April features circus-like tents, illusionists, jugglers, and glass swallowers.
- Wax Candle Moussem in Salé, Rabat This festival centers on a procession of large lantern-like wax candles carried from Bab el Rih to the Grand Mosque on the eve of Mouloud. Various brotherhoods follow, dancing and playing music.
By understanding Ramadan, these customs and celebrations, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of Moroccan culture and plan their trip to coincide with these unique experiences.
