Some of the best travel memories are created when you come upon an unexpected holiday or event. Stumbling into the middle of a grand parade or local festival is a great way to get a taste of local culture—and cuisine—and an even better way to forge relationships with those you meet along the way.
Morocco celebrates a number of national religious holidays—perhaps the most notable being Eid Kbir (literally, the ‘big holiday’)—throughout the year. But there are just as many secular celebrations in the country. In fact, it’s for these events that the country really lets loose and rallies around the things that make it so unique: its history, culture and diversity.
If you’ll be in Morocco on any of the following days, keep your ears up and your eyes peeled for special events. You never know what you may find around the corner.
March 2 – Independence Day
This is the day in 1956 that the country officially became independent of France (independence from Spain came just a few weeks later). The day is taken very seriously. Rallies, parades, demonstrations and special events are all held to commemorate the occasion.
July 30 – Feast of the Throne
This day commemorates the king’s ascension to the throne, and you can expect all the pomp ad circumstance afforded a sitting monarch … especially if you happen to be in the same city as the man himself!
August 21 – Youth Day
This is an international holiday established by the UN to celebrate young people throughout the world. Morocco takes it seriously and often holds special events in towns and cities to recognize the contributions of younger members of society. There are also games, sporting events and plenty of opportunities to have fun.
November 6 – The Green March
In 1975, the government orchestrated a public march into the Western Sahara (then occupied by Spain). The Spanish wanted to avoid what would be a very public (and bloody) confrontation and so cleared the area as the marchers moved in. The Moroccan army quickly moved in to fill the void, re-taking what Morocco sees as its rightful land. While the Western Sahara is a touchy subject (to put it lightly), the parades and rallies held to commemorate the event are usually anything but heated and are geared more toward national pride than a political agenda.
Written by Margaret Jackson.
Photo by Vince Millett.
