Public Holidays in Morocco 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays

    Public Holidays in Morocco

    Morocco observes a mix of fixed national holidays and movable religious holidays based on the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Islamic dates shift annually depending on moon sighting. Long public holidays are commonly used for domestic travel, cultural festivals, and family gatherings across the country.

    Travel Tip: Long weekends around Eid or summer national holidays are ideal for exploring historic cities and coastal destinations. Popular options include cultural tours and desert getaways listed under places to visit in Morocco, with comfortable stays available through best hotels in Morocco.

    Also Explore: Public Holidays in Montenegro

    Public Holidays in Morocco (2026)

    DateWeekdayHolidayNotes / Observance
    January 1ThursdayNew Year’s DayFixed national holiday
    January 11SundayProclamation of Independence / Independence Manifesto DayHonors the 1944 Istiqlal Manifesto
    January 14WednesdayAmazigh New Year (Yennayer)Berber / Amazigh New Year
    March 20FridayEid al-FitrEnd of Ramadan (estimated, moon sighting)
    March 21SaturdayEid al-Fitr HolidaySecond day of observance
    May 1FridayLabour DayInternational Workers’ Day
    May 27WednesdayEid al-AdhaFeast of Sacrifice (estimated)
    May 28ThursdayEid al-Adha HolidayExtended observance
    June 17WednesdayIslamic New YearFirst day of the Hijri year (estimated)
    July 30ThursdayThrone DayAccession of King Mohammed VI
    August 14FridayOued Ed-Dahab DayCommemoration of regional reunification
    August 20ThursdayRevolution DayAnniversary of the 1953 revolution
    August 21FridayYouth Day / King’s BirthdayNational celebration
    August 26WednesdayProphet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)Islamic holiday (estimated)
    November 6FridayGreen March DayCommemorates the 1975 Green March
    November 18WednesdayIndependence DayMarks Morocco’s independence

    Public Holidays in Morocco (2025)

    DateWeekdayHolidayNotes / Observance
    January 1WednesdayNew Year’s DayFixed national holiday
    January 11SaturdayProclamation of Independence / Independence Manifesto DayHonors the 1944 Istiqlal Manifesto
    January 14TuesdayAmazigh New Year (Yennayer)Berber / Amazigh New Year
    March 31MondayEid al-FitrEnd of Ramadan
    April 1TuesdayEid al-Fitr HolidaySecond day of observance
    May 1ThursdayLabour DayInternational Workers’ Day
    June 7SaturdayEid al-AdhaMain day of the Feast of Sacrifice
    June 8SundayEid al-Adha HolidayGovernment/bank holiday
    June 9MondayEid al-Adha HolidayExtended observance
    June 27FridayIslamic New YearFirst day of the Hijri year
    July 30WednesdayThrone DayMarks the accession of King Mohammed VI
    August 14ThursdayOued Ed-Dahab DayCommemoration of return of the region
    August 20WednesdayRevolution DayAnniversary of King’s exile in 1953
    August 21ThursdayYouth Day / King’s BirthdayNational celebration
    September 5FridayProphet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)Islamic holiday (movable)
    November 6ThursdayGreen March DayCommemorates the Green March
    November 18TuesdayIndependence DayMarks Morocco’s independence

    Notes & Observations

    • Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and may change depending on moon sighting.
    • Morocco generally does not move public holidays when they fall on weekends.
    • Throne Day (30 July) is one of the most significant national celebrations.
    • Amazigh New Year officially recognizes Morocco’s Amazigh cultural identity.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How many public holidays does Morocco have in 2026?

    Morocco observes approximately 17 official public holidays in 2026, including national and Islamic religious holidays.

    Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?

    Yes. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar and depend on moon sighting, so their Gregorian dates change annually.

    Are public holidays moved if they fall on weekends?

    No, Morocco typically does not shift holidays when they fall on a Saturday or Sunday.

    What is the significance of Throne Day?

    Throne Day commemorates the accession of King Mohammed VI and is celebrated nationwide on 30 July.

    Conclusion

    Public holidays in Morocco reflect the country’s deep historical roots, Islamic traditions, and national identity. With a mix of fixed and lunar-based observances, these holidays shape work schedules, travel patterns, and cultural life throughout the year. Visitors and residents alike are advised to confirm official dates, especially for religious holidays, as announcements may vary based on moon sighting.


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