Morocco is a country rich in cultural diversity and traditions, and it celebrates a total of 18 public holidays each year. This includes eleven national holidays and four religious celebrations, with three of the latter extending over two days. The complete holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027 has been released, detailing the days of the week and the projected dates for significant events such as Eid and Ramadan, along with guidelines for both public and private sectors.
In the year 2026, three holidays remain: Aïd Al Wahda on Saturday, October 31, the Green March on Friday, November 6, and the Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, November 18. The Green March holiday conveniently falls on a Friday, creating a delightful three-day weekend for those who work from Monday to Friday.
For the year 2027, national holidays are set on specific dates, while religious holidays follow the lunar calendar, meaning their dates are provisional until officially announced by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. This method of determining holiday dates is significant as it reflects the lunar cycle, which is approximately eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, resulting in holidays shifting each year.
How Many Public Holidays Does Morocco Have?
Morocco officially recognizes 18 paid public holidays, as established by decree No. 2-77-169 on February 28, 1977, which has undergone multiple amendments over the years. Notably, the Amazigh New Year, celebrated on January 14, was included in this list following a royal cabinet announcement on May 3, 2023. Aïd Al Wahda on October 31 was added after a royal cabinet communiqué on November 4, 2025, marking its inaugural celebration in 2026.
The distribution of these 18 holidays is as follows: 11 days are allocated for national celebrations, while 7 days are dedicated to religious observances. Notably, Aïd Al Fitr, Aïd Al Adha, and Aïd Al Mawlid each span two days in the public sector, while the first day of Moharram only counts as one day off.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1 | New Year's Day |
| Sunday, January 11 | Independence Manifesto |
| Wednesday, January 14 | Amazigh New Year |
| Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 | Aïd Al Fitr |
| Friday, May 1 | Labour Day |
| Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 | Aïd Al Adha |
| Wednesday, June 17 | 1st Moharram 1448 |
| Thursday, July 30 | Throne Day |
| Friday, August 14 | Allegiance of Oued Eddahab |
| Thursday, August 20 | Revolution of the King and the People |
| Friday, August 21 | Youth Day |
| Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26 | Aïd Al Mawlid |
| Saturday, October 31 | Aïd Al Wahda (Unity Day) |
| Friday, November 6 | Green March |
| Wednesday, November 18 | Independence Day |
For 2027, the tentative holiday dates have also been established, and adjustments are made based on lunar observations. The holidays provide opportunities for extended weekends, particularly for those who work weekdays. There are several national holidays that conveniently align with weekends, offering a chance for a delightful three-day break.
Understanding the Changes in Religious Holidays
The dates for religious holidays such as Aïd Al Fitr, Aïd Al Adha, 1st Moharram, and Aïd Al Mawlid are determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar. This calendar is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which leads to these holidays occurring approximately ten days earlier each year. In Morocco, the official confirmation of these dates is postponed until the evening of the 29th day of the preceding lunar month, when lunar sightings are conducted by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs. If the crescent is seen, the new month begins the following day; otherwise, the current month completes its 30 days. This method can cause discrepancies with other countries and leads to announcements being made just the evening before significant celebrations.
On public holidays, government offices, public institutions, and contracted services observe these 18 days as paid time off, which includes the second day of each major religious celebration. However, in the private sector, the paid holiday schedule is governed by labor laws and specific decrees, with only the first day of each Aïd officially recognized, while the second day is at the discretion of employers or collective agreements. It is advisable for employees to consult their HR departments for clarification regarding holiday entitlements.
For those interested in exploring more about holiday activities and events in the vibrant city of Marrakech during these festive times, please refer to our guide on what to do in Marrakech. This guide offers valuable insights and suggestions for making the most of Morocco's beautiful holiday season.
As reported by latribunedemarrakech.com.
