Ramadan occurs in Morocco on the same dates as the rest of the Islamic world: during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which is somewhat shorter than the one used in the West since it counts the lunar cycle rather than the solar cycle. As a result, each year, this special period falls on a different date. If you are planning a trip to Morocco, we recommend that you keep Ramadan in mind. In the following paragraphs, we will explain what it is and provide some ideas on how to use it.
Ramadan is closely observed in Morocco, at least publicly. It is a 30-day time of the year when all Muslims are required to fast during the day and abstain from other temptations such as sex or narcotics, including smoke.
It is a method of cleaning the body and subjecting it to self-discipline, according to Islamic doctrine. When night falls, however, the situation changes dramatically: Moroccans, whether with family or friends, rejoice in their ability to break the day’s fast with great zeal.
As expected, Ramadan has a significant impact on city life in Morocco: many establishments close and there is significantly less activity on the streets, which often contrasts with the rhythm and ambiance that is breathed after sundown, especially at the family level behind closed doors.
So, is it worthwhile to visit to Morocco during Ramadan? Opinions, like everything else in life, differ. Here are some arguments for and against planning your trip around these dates.
In most circumstances, we do not advocate visiting Morocco during Ramadan because the entire country is paralyzed by the holiday schedule. As a result, it is fairly usual to find numerous businesses closed during the day. Furthermore, many Moroccans take advantage of this period to enjoy their vacations, so a visitor hoping to experience the nation in all its grandeur may be disappointed.
Another drawback to consider is the mood. Fasting and continence are physical and mental efforts that not everyone can put up with in the same way, therefore during these days, there are frequently many Moroccans with bad character and little motivation to work, which is natural given the hardship of fasting. This makes the people of the country more sensitive, so be cautious: what is not frowned upon at other times can be seen as a lack of respect during Ramadan.
Ramadan, on the other hand, does not dissuade many travelers. On the contrary, they regard it as an exciting opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Moroccan culture.
Furthermore, the country has a different nightlife during this time: the souks are busy with people and full of things that are not normally seen or are seen in smaller quantities at other times. As a result, traveling during Ramadan has a distinct appeal, particularly for travelers with an explorer attitude and a keen interest in elements such as culture and ethnography.
In any event, we feel that most tourists would experience more drawbacks than benefits during these periods. Find out when the next Muslim holy month will be observed and carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of planning a vacation to Morocco during Ramadan.
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