Experience Morocco: A Calendar of Vibrant Festivals
Booking your Moroccan vacation to coincide with one of the country’s many annual celebrations is the perfect way to unlock an immersive cultural experience. Morocco’s calendar is packed with festivals, from ancient religious commemorations to vibrant harvest celebrations and world-renowned music events.
Important Note on Dates:
Many of Morocco's most important religious and cultural festivals operate on the Islamic Lunar Calendar (Hijri). These dates shift backward by approximately 10 to 11 days each year on the Western Gregorian calendar. For this reason, you must confirm specific dates with the Moroccan National Tourist Office or your tour operator before booking, especially for major holidays like Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha.
Major Festivals by Month (Approximate Calendar)
Morocco hosts a festival almost every month, spanning national holidays, ancient Moussem (annual gatherings or pilgrimages), and modern arts events.
January – February: Winter Celebrations
| Event | Approximate Time | Significance for Visitors |
| New Year's Day | January 1 | A secular celebration with events in major cities. |
| Independence Manifesto Day | January 11 | A national holiday commemorating the 1944 declaration of independence. |
| Tafraoute Festival | February | Celebrates the end of the winter rains in the Anti-Atlas, signaling the start of the planting season. |
| Aid Al Adha (Eid el-Kebir) | Lunar Date | The major Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Abraham's devotion. A solemn religious event primarily observed by families (note: tourist services are often limited). |
March – April: Lunar Holidays & Harvests
| Event | Approximate Time | Significance for Visitors |
| Fatih Mouharam | Lunar Date | The Islamic New Year. |
| Ramadan & Eid Al Fitr | Lunar Date | The holy month of fasting (Ramadan), followed by the grand celebration of Eid Al Fitr (the breaking of the fast). Plan ahead as business hours are significantly reduced. |
| Ashura | Lunar Date | A day of tithing and community traditions celebrated by certain local groups. |
| Beni Mellal Festival | March/April | A local celebration honoring the annual cotton harvest. |
May – June: Spring Blooms & Global Music
| Event | Approximate Time | Significance for Visitors |
| Labor Day | May 1 | A secular national holiday. |
| Rose Festival (El Kelia des Mgouna) | May | A highly popular, vibrant celebration marking the harvest of the Damask rose in the Dades Valley. Features parades, music, and traditional dances. |
| Fes Festival of World Sacred Music | May/June | A globally recognized, multi-day music festival held in Fez, bringing hundreds of international musicians to celebrate diverse spiritual and musical traditions. |
| Gnaoua World Music Festival | June | A popular coastal festival (usually in Essaouira) celebrating the Gnaoua musical tradition—a blend of African, Berber, and spiritual rhythms. |
July – August: Summer Arts & Moussems
| Event | Approximate Time | Significance for Visitors |
| Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival | July | A spectacle of traditional Moroccan folklore, featuring performances, music, theater, and arts across the city. |
| Sefrou Cherry Harvest Festival | July | A celebration of the cherry season, often including parades and the crowning of a "Cherry Queen." |
| Celebration of the Throne | July 30 | A grand national celebration honoring the coronation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. |
| Moussems (Asilah, Setti Fatma, Tiznit, etc.) | August | Various regional harvest, pilgrimage, and arts festivals offering deep insight into local traditions and Berber culture. |
September – December: Desert & Mountain Gatherings
| Event | Approximate Time | Significance for Visitors |
| Imilchil Marriage Festival | September | A famous annual betrothal festival held in the High Atlas Mountains, featuring traditional marriage customs, dances, and vibrant costumes. |
| Date Festival (Erfoud) | October/November | Celebrates the date palm harvest in the oasis regions, including feasting and music. |
| Independence Day | November 18 | A major national holiday celebrating the end of French and Spanish rule. |
| Hajj Day / Eid Al-Adha (Rafsae) | Lunar Date | A religious observance (Hajj Day) and subsequent traditional festival (Rafsae). |
Visitor Guidance for Religious Festivals:
While most festivals welcome tourists, religious festivals like Aid Al Adha and celebrations during Ramadan are deeply personal and family-focused. Visitors should always observe these events quietly, respectfully, and avoid any action that could be seen as interrupting a religious observance. You are likely to encounter music, fireworks, costumes, and other traditions, but respectful observation is key.