Morocco Public Holidays 2026

Ramadan 2026 in Morocco is expected to begin around 20 January and end around 19 February, though the exact start is confirmed by official moon sighting and announced just 1–2 days in advance. During Ramadan, restaurants close during daylight hours and many shops shift to evening trading. The rhythm of cities changes noticeably: quieter mornings, a lively rush just before sunset (Iftar), and streets that stay busy until well past midnight. Travellers who lean into the atmosphere — rather than fight it — often find Ramadan one of Morocco’s most memorable times to visit.

It depends on the holiday. On secular national holidays (Labour Day, Independence Day, Throne Day), banks and government offices close but most tourist-facing businesses — riads, restaurants, souks, tour operators — stay open. On major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the situation reverses: almost everything closes for one to three days as families gather at home. If you are visiting during an Eid, stock up on cash beforehand (ATMs can run low), confirm riad check-in arrangements in advance, and have a flexible attitude about dining options.

Eid al-Adha 2026 falls around 30 April in Morocco (indicative; the official date follows the Islamic lunar calendar and is confirmed 1–2 days before). Known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," it is the holiest and most disruptive holiday for travellers. Whole animals — usually lamb — are slaughtered by families on the morning of the feast; souks and restaurants close for 2–3 days. If your trip overlaps, stay in a full-service riad or hotel that provides meals, pre-book any transport, and treat it as a rare window into genuine Moroccan family life rather than a sightseeing day.

Morocco officially celebrates the Gregorian New Year on 1 January, which is a public holiday. There is also Amazigh (Berber) New Year, called Yennayer, celebrated on 13 January — it is a cultural rather than a national public holiday, so banks and offices stay open, but Amazigh communities (particularly in the Atlas and Souss regions) mark it with traditional food and gatherings. In recent years there have been growing calls to make Yennayer a national holiday; check current status closer to your travel date.

Throne Day (30 July) marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne in 1999. It is the largest secular holiday of the year, with military parades in Rabat, public concerts, fireworks and widespread flag-flying. For travellers it is a colourful day — cities feel festive rather than shut down, and most tourist services remain open. If you are in Rabat, the parade along Mohammed V Boulevard is worth watching. In Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna fills up earlier and louder than usual.

Both Eids (al-Fitr and al-Adha) compress transport demand: trains from Casablanca and Rabat to southern cities sell out days in advance as families travel home. Book rail tickets (ONCF) or intercity buses at least a week before any Eid if your trip overlaps. ATMs in smaller towns can run dry during Eid; withdraw extra cash in a major city. The upside: Eid evenings and the day after bring extraordinary street life — mint tea, traditional music and an openness to curious visitors that you rarely find on an ordinary Tuesday.