Festivals in Morocco

This Amazigh (Berber) holiday marks the beginning of the agricultural year and typically happens every January. While it’s only celebrated in places with a majority Amazigh population (primarily in the Atlas Mountains), the lively celebrations are worth catching if you have the chance.

The Almond Blossom Festival is held in Tafraoute to honor the transformation of the landscape during the annual blooming of almond tree flowers, as well as the cultural traditions of the Amazigh (Berber) folks who live here. Visit this tiny town for musical and cultural performances, Amazigh hospitality and some very creative recipes involving almonds. Usually held in the second week of February.

This open-air festival, usually held every April, is a multicultural celebration of all of Africa's diverse nomadic cultures. Music, dance, talks on cultural issues, incredible food and more are all on offer at this unique festival, which is held annually in the Draa Valley.   

This Islamic holy month of daytime fasting and contemplation is widely observed in Morocco. If you travel during this period you’ll find locals more subdued and streets quiet during the daytime when folks are fasting. Travelers are not expected to observe the fast, but drinking, smoking and scarfing down street food in public during the daylight hours is frowned upon.
The experience of enjoying iftar (the daily meal that breaks the fast) with locals is truly special, and the celebratory nature of the evenings makes this a unique time of the year to travel. Dates change every year. 

Read about one traveler's experience in Morocco during Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr

While technically a part of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr deserves its own mention as the incredible feasting party that concludes the Islamic holy month and breaks the fast for good. While many businesses will be closed, try and score an invite to a family or community gathering for a unique party.

This celebrated music festival draws international and local acts from a range of genres for performances that take place among the winding alleyways of the Fes Medina and other historical landmarks. The festival is typically held in June.

This four-day Islamic celebration commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God and begins with the ceremonial slaughter of a goat or sheep. This is followed by a few days of feasting and partying among friends and family. If you travel during this period, you’ll likely be invited to share in the elaborate meals and festivities with locals. Dates of the celebration vary by year.

This nationally recognized public holiday is held in celebration of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. Mosques are decorated, and stalls spring up in their courtyards, selling everything from snacks to handicrafts.

Find a current list of public holidays in Morocco at World Travel Guide.