Moroccan Festivals & Holidays: Calendar & Events
Morocco has a lively calendar of religious feasts, music festivals, harvest fairs and national holidays. Timing a visit to coincide with one can be unforgettable, but some events also affect opening hours and transport. Dates for religious holidays shift each year, so always check before booking.
At a glance
- Religious calendar
- Islamic lunar calendar, dates shift about 11 days a year
- Biggest music festival
- Gnawa Festival, Essaouira (June)
- Biggest feasts
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
- Tip
- Book early for festival dates
In this guide
Religious holidays
- Ramadan: the month of fasting. In 2027 it is expected to begin in early February, depending on moon sightings. Evenings are festive, daytime is quiet. See our religion guide and best time to visit.
- Eid al-Fitr: three days of celebration at the end of Ramadan, with family visits, sweets and new clothes.
- Eid al-Adha: the Feast of Sacrifice, about two months after Eid al-Fitr, when families gather and many businesses close for days.
- Mawlid: the Prophet's birthday, marked with religious gatherings and sweets.
During Eid holidays, trains and buses are very busy and hotels fill, so book transport in advance.
Music, arts and film festivals
- Gnawa and World Music Festival, Essaouira: usually June; see Essaouira.
- Festival of World Sacred Music, Fes: a spiritual music festival, traditionally in spring or early summer; see Fes.
- Mawazine, Rabat: a large international music festival, usually in late spring or early summer.
- Timitar, Agadir: a festival of Amazigh and world music, usually in summer.
- Asilah Arts Festival: mural painting and concerts, usually in summer; see Asilah.
- Marrakech International Film Festival: usually in late autumn.
Harvest and traditional festivals
- Rose Festival, Kelaa M'Gouna: in the Dades valley in spring, celebrating the rose harvest.
- Date Festival, Erfoud: in autumn, in the southern oases.
- Moussems: annual pilgrimages to the tombs of saints, which combine religion, fairs and music, such as the Imilchil Moussem in the High Atlas.
National public holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 11 January | Independence Manifesto Day |
| 14 January | Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 30 July | Throne Day |
| 14 August | Oued Ed-Dahab Day |
| 20 August | Revolution of the King and the People |
| 21 August | Youth Day |
| 6 November | Green March |
| 18 November | Independence Day |
Dates can change, and new holidays are sometimes added, so confirm the calendar for your travel year. Learn more about Moroccan culture and traditions.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ramadan in Morocco?
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. In 2027 it is expected in February and early March, depending on moon sighting.
Which Moroccan festival should I attend?
For music, the Gnawa festival in Essaouira. For culture and history, the Festival of World Sacred Music in Fes. For tradition, a rose or date festival in the south.
Is it a good idea to travel during Eid?
It is a memorable time, but transport and hotels are busy and some businesses close. Book early.