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)

Date Weekday Holiday Notes / Observance
January 1 Thursday New Year’s Day Fixed national holiday
January 11 Sunday Proclamation of Independence / Independence Manifesto Day Honors the 1944 Istiqlal Manifesto
January 14 Wednesday Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) Berber / Amazigh New Year
March 20 Friday Eid al-Fitr End of Ramadan (estimated, moon sighting)
March 21 Saturday Eid al-Fitr Holiday Second day of observance
May 1 Friday Labour Day International Workers’ Day
May 27 Wednesday Eid al-Adha Feast of Sacrifice (estimated)
May 28 Thursday Eid al-Adha Holiday Extended observance
June 17 Wednesday Islamic New Year First day of the Hijri year (estimated)
July 30 Thursday Throne Day Accession of King Mohammed VI
August 14 Friday Oued Ed-Dahab Day Commemoration of regional reunification
August 20 Thursday Revolution Day Anniversary of the 1953 revolution
August 21 Friday Youth Day / King’s Birthday National celebration
August 26 Wednesday Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) Islamic holiday (estimated)
November 6 Friday Green March Day Commemorates the 1975 Green March
November 18 Wednesday Independence Day Marks Morocco’s independence

Public Holidays in Morocco (2025)

Date Weekday Holiday Notes / Observance
January 1 Wednesday New Year’s Day Fixed national holiday
January 11 Saturday Proclamation of Independence / Independence Manifesto Day Honors the 1944 Istiqlal Manifesto
January 14 Tuesday Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) Berber / Amazigh New Year
March 31 Monday Eid al-Fitr End of Ramadan
April 1 Tuesday Eid al-Fitr Holiday Second day of observance
May 1 Thursday Labour Day International Workers’ Day
June 7 Saturday Eid al-Adha Main day of the Feast of Sacrifice
June 8 Sunday Eid al-Adha Holiday Government/bank holiday
June 9 Monday Eid al-Adha Holiday Extended observance
June 27 Friday Islamic New Year First day of the Hijri year
July 30 Wednesday Throne Day Marks the accession of King Mohammed VI
August 14 Thursday Oued Ed-Dahab Day Commemoration of return of the region
August 20 Wednesday Revolution Day Anniversary of King’s exile in 1953
August 21 Thursday Youth Day / King’s Birthday National celebration
September 5 Friday Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) Islamic holiday (movable)
November 6 Thursday Green March Day Commemorates the Green March
November 18 Tuesday Independence Day Marks 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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