Morocco travel guide is our Morocco trip advisor and
the place to begin your Moroccan journey and unveil the mysteries of the exotic
Morocco, a kingdom of extraordinary sights, sounds, and experiences.
Learn more about Morocco's people in our Morocco travel guide, history,
cities and regions, culture, and much more. With one of the best
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HISTORY
Although Morocco is just a couple of hours away from Spain by ferry,
culturally, this Islamic nation is very different from Europe in spite
of 44 years of French and Spanish colonial rule. Morocco is considered
an Arab country; however, much of the population of Morocco are actually
Berbers. Morocco obtained its independence from France and Spain in
1956, but many Moroccans still speak French after Moroccan Arabic or one
of the three local Berber languages.
Morocco is ruled by a constitutional monarchy where
ultimate authority rests with the king, who can trace his lineage back
to the Prophet Mohammed. In July of 1999, Mohammed VI succeeded to the
throne on the death of his father, Hassan II. While continuing his
father’s skillful management of foreign affairs, Mohammed VI has
expressed intentions to increase the introduction of modernity in
Morocco and to provide further benefits and opportunities to the
populace. Morocco has long enjoyed close relations with the United
States. Indeed, it was the first nation to recognize the United States
of America in 1776, and American visitors continue to receive a warm
welcome here.
A country about the size of the state of California, Morocco is located
on the tip of North Africa bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania to
the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean to the
north. The country has a mixed terrain crossed by several mountain
ranges. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country t the
Atlantic coast. The Middles Atlas Mountains rise from the south. The Rif
Mountains run along the north cost.
From the traveler’s point of view, this fascinating country is very
accessible—only 61/2 hours from New York to Casablanca. It has a
comfortable and reliable rail and bus network, excellent roads and a
state airline; more than 550 hotels, a large number of which meet the
expectations of American tourists; and a populace welcoming to tourists
and tolerant of differences.
The aphorisms and traditional phrases of Islam that punctuate the speech
of many Moroccans and appear in the designs of their architecture serve
to introduce to visitors the wisdom and tolerance of the legendary
hospitality of the Moroccan people. The variety of experiences open to
visitors is extensive, found everywhere from the medinas of historic
cities, to the mysterious Sahara, to the fabulous beaches and
little-traveled forests and mountains. Visitors can choose to “rough it”
on the back of a camel in the desert, to trek across spectacular
mountains, or to luxuriate in the manicured gardens and spas of
exceptional hotels.
CULTURE and CUSTOMS
FESTIVALS and EVENTS
Festivals marking the seasons and the various types of harvests are held
throughout Morocco. Those held in honor of holy men are known as
moussems. Participating in traditional celebrations is an excellent way
to experience local customs and culture. The celebration may include
fantasias, here horsemen demonstrate their skills, as well as dancing,
singing and feasting.
Many of the most religious holidays are combined with feasting and
fireworks and other entertainment. The most holy religious holiday is
Ramadan, the month set aside for fasting to commemorate God’s revelation
of the Koran to the prophet Mohammed.
The month is welcomed with fasting during the day,
but rejoicing in the streets at night. Cafes stay open in the major
cities until 3:00 AM. Aid el Kebir, the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates
Abraham’s offering of his son to God. The two-day feast includes the
slaughter and eating of a sheep.
The Annual World Sacred Music Festival in Fez, held at the end of June,
is and international event where leading musicians come from all over
the world to share sacred music traditions. This many-cultured event has
as its objective the cultivation of world peace and understanding. Among
the countries represented are Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Greece, Iran,
Pakistan, the United States, France and India playing everything from
Andalusian music to Hasidic songs.
Festivals
Location Festival
February
Tafraout Almond Tree Blossom Festival
May
El Kelaa M’Gouna Rose Festival
(Ouarzazate)
Imouzer of Ida ou Tanane Honey Festival
(Agadir)
Sale Wax Lantern Procession
June
Essaouira Gnawa Festival
Sefrou (Fez) Cherry Festival
Marrakesh Festival of Folk Art
Marrakesh National Festival of Popular Arts
July
Guellmim Camel Festival
September
Imilchil The Fiancee Festival
Tissa (Fez) Horse Festival
October
Erfoud Date Festival
HANDICRAFTS
Despite the ongoing modernization of the country, handicrafts remain an
integral part of Moroccan culture and economy. The craftsmen of Morocco
are organized in guilds, and in the souks, they are arranged according
to their craft. The dyers are in one quarter, jewelers are in another,
and makers of brass trays and ornaments are in yet another. Visitors to
the souks of the major cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat and Meknes
can experience first hand the process of how fine leather goods,
hand-painted ceramics, brass ware, woven fabrics and rugs, and wood
crafts are made.
RELIGION
Morocco is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with small Jewish and
Christian minorities. The culture of Morocco has been strongly
influenced by Berbers, Arabs, Moors, Jews and the French, and is
tolerant of differences. While Moroccans are hospitable to Muslims and
non-Muslims alike, most Islamic religious monuments are closed to
non-Muslims. There are some notable exceptions, though, such as the
newly built Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
in Rabat and the tomb of Sultan Ismail Moulay in Meknes.
CUISINE
Moroccan cuisine is punctuated by a delicate use of aromatic spices and
features fruits and vegetables as well as fish and meats. Some of the
best-known dishes include: Couscous, a semolina grain served with meat
and vegetables; Mechoui, lamb roasted on a spit; Pastilla, a flaky
pastry typically stuffed with pigeon and almonds; and Tajine, a stew
cooked in a distinctive earthenware dish that is also known as tajine.
Moroccan pastries are often prepared with honey, almond, raisins, or
sesame. The national drink is mint tea, which is often offered guests
and potential buyers. The larger hotels and restaurants serve wine and
liquors. The local Moroccan wine is excellent.
THE SOUKS
The souk is one of the most characterizing aspects of rural life. It’s a
place and a means of traditional trade. Since the Moroccan population is
essentially rural, each tribe has a certain number of souks that are
generally held in the open or inside a special enclosing wall. These
souks usually carry the name of the day they are held on.
The Main Souks of Morocco
Location Days
Province of Agadir
Agadir Saturday – Sunday
Inezgan Tuesday
Taroudant Friday
Province of Shefshaoen
Shefshaouen Thursday
Province of Errachidia
Erfoud Sunday
Errachidia Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday
Rissani Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday
Province of Dhemisset
Khemisset Tuesday
Tiflet Wednesday
Province of Khenifra
Midelt Sunday
Province of Kenitra
Sidi allal Bahraoui Sunday
Souk Sebt of Kenitra Saturday
Souk Had Ouled Jelloul Sunday
Souk Tleta Tuesday
Souk El Arba Wednesday
Souk Khmis Rimila Thursday
Jamaa Lalla Mimouna Friday
Had Kamouni Sunday
Province of Marrakesh
Marrakesh Souk of Camels Thursday
Sidi El Aidi Thursday
Province of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate Sunday
Skoura Monday – Thursday
Taznakhte Sunday
Taliquin Monday
Askaoun Thursday
Zagora Wednesday – Thursday
Agdz Thursday
Bagoumite Thursday – Sunday
M’hamid Monday
Boumaln Wednesday
Tinehir Monday
El Kalaa Wednesday
Province of Tiznit
Bou-Izajarb Friday
Goulmina Souk of Camels Saturday
Tiznit Thursday – Friday
General Information
Business Hours
Banks:
Monday to Friday,
8:30 AM– 11:30 AM;
2:30 PM–5:00 PM winter;
8:30 AM–2:00 PM summer.
Hours vary during Ramadan.
Shops and Souks:
9:30 AM–1:00 PM;
3:00 PM–6:30 PM
Government Offices:
Monday to Thursday,
8:30 AM–12:00 PM and
2:30 PM–6:30 PM;
Friday, 8:30 AM–11:30 AM and3:00 PM–6:30 PM