Morocco Public Holidays 2026
Understanding Morocco's Holiday Calendar
Morocco observes two kinds of public holidays: fixed national holidays based on the Gregorian calendar, and religious holidays based on the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar. The fixed dates stay the same each year, while the religious ones move.
Islamic holidays shift roughly eleven days earlier each Gregorian year because the lunar year is shorter. Their precise dates in Morocco are officially confirmed only after the sighting of the new crescent moon, so any advance date is approximate.
Fixed National Holidays in 2026
Several Moroccan holidays fall on the same date every year. New Year's Day is January 1. Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, is observed around January 13-14 and is now a recognized paid holiday.
Other fixed dates include Labour Day on May 1, Throne Day on July 30, Oued Ed-Dahab Day on August 14, Revolution of the King and the People on August 20, Youth Day on August 21, the Green March on November 6, and Independence Day on November 18.
Approximate Islamic Holidays in 2026
The lunar Islamic holidays in 2026 are approximate until confirmed by moon sighting. Eid al-Fitr, ending Ramadan, is expected around late March 2026. Eid al-Adha is expected around late May to early June 2026.
The Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) is anticipated around mid-June 2026, Ashura around late June 2026, and Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet's birthday) around late August 2026. These windows can shift by a day or more based on official announcements.
Ramadan in 2026
Ramadan, the month of fasting, is expected to begin around mid-to-late February 2026 and end with Eid al-Fitr around late March, subject to moon sighting. It is not a public holiday but significantly affects daily life.
During Ramadan, business hours often shorten, many restaurants close during daylight, and the rhythm of the day changes around the fast. Travelers should plan accordingly and confirm the exact dates closer to the time.
How Closures Work
On public holidays, government offices, banks and many businesses close, while tourist attractions, hotels and many restaurants often stay open. The two Eids cause the most widespread closures, sometimes spanning two days each.
Because some holidays are confirmed at short notice, businesses and transport schedules can adjust quickly. It is wise to verify opening hours and book travel ahead during holiday periods.
Tips for Planning Around Holidays
Always confirm religious holiday dates close to your travel period, as official Moroccan announcements are the only reliable source. Bookmark the government's holiday declarations rather than relying solely on early estimates.
Expect heavier domestic travel and crowded transport around the Eids and long weekends. If your trip overlaps Ramadan, prepare for adjusted hours and a quieter daytime atmosphere followed by lively evenings.
| Holiday | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 (fixed) |
| Yennayer (Amazigh New Year) | Around January 13-14 |
| Labour Day | May 1 (fixed) |
| Eid al-Fitr | Approx. late March (lunar) |
| Eid al-Adha | Approx. late May / early June (lunar) |
| Throne Day | July 30 (fixed) |
| Oued Ed-Dahab Day | August 14 (fixed) |
| Revolution of King and People | August 20 (fixed) |
| Youth Day | August 21 (fixed) |
| Mawlid al-Nabi | Approx. late August (lunar) |
| Green March | November 6 (fixed) |
| Independence Day | November 18 (fixed) |
Morocco 2026 public holidays (lunar dates approximate)
FAQ
How many public holidays does Morocco have?
Morocco observes around a dozen public holidays, combining fixed national dates such as Throne Day and Independence Day with lunar Islamic holidays like the two Eids, Ashura and Mawlid.
Why are some 2026 holiday dates approximate?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar and their exact dates are confirmed in Morocco only after the new crescent moon is sighted, so any advance date is an estimate that may shift by a day or more.
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2026 in Morocco?
Eid al-Fitr is expected around late March 2026, marking the end of Ramadan, but the precise date will be confirmed by official moon sighting closer to the time.
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