2024 Public Holidays in Morocco

Public Holidays in Morocco in 2024

Morocco, a country located in North Africa, celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are deeply rooted in Morocco’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage, and they are observed with various traditions, ceremonies, and festivities. Below is a comprehensive list and description of the public holidays in Morocco for the year 2024.

Islamic Holidays

Eid al-Fitr – Date Varies

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, and giving of gifts. The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year depending on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Eid al-Adha – Date Varies

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, animal sacrifices, and sharing of meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate. The date of Eid al-Adha also varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

New Year’s Day is celebrated worldwide as the first day of the Gregorian calendar year. In Morocco, it is a time for gatherings with family and friends, festive meals, and often includes fireworks displays and music concerts to welcome the new year with hope and optimism.

Labour Day – May 1st

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and the labor movement. In Morocco, this day is marked with rallies, parades, and various events organized by trade unions and worker associations. It is a time to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice.

Throne Day – July 30th

Throne Day commemorates the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne in 1999. It is one of the most significant national holidays in Morocco, celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, flag hoisting, cultural performances, and fireworks displays. Throne Day evokes a sense of pride and unity among Moroccans, celebrating their monarchy and national identity.

Revolution Day – August 20th

Revolution Day, also known as the Anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, commemorates the 1953 uprising against French colonial rule and the return of Sultan Mohammed V from exile. It is a time to honor the struggle for independence and sovereignty. Revolution Day is observed with ceremonies, speeches, and cultural events that reflect on Morocco’s history and national liberation.

Independence Day – November 18th

Independence Day in Morocco commemorates the country’s independence from French and Spanish protectorates in 1956. It is one of the most important national holidays, celebrated with patriotic fervor, flag hoisting, parades, and cultural performances. Independence Day evokes a sense of pride and unity among Moroccans, celebrating their sovereignty and freedom.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – Date Varies

Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is observed with religious lectures, prayers, processions, and charitable activities. The date of Mawlid al-Nabi varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Conclusion

Morocco celebrates a diverse array of public holidays throughout the year, each reflecting the country’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage. These holidays serve as important occasions for Moroccans to come together, celebrate their identity, and honor their traditions. Whether commemorating religious festivals, observing national milestones, or advocating for social causes, public holidays in Morocco play a significant role in fostering national pride, unity, and cultural preservation.