What's celebrated and when — with 2026 and 2027 dates, crowd levels, and booking tips.
Ramadan in Morocconationalreligious
17-February-2026 · 2027: 6-February-2027 · 30 days · Best in Marrakech · Crowds: moderate
Marrakech and Fes transform during Ramadan. Daytime medinas are eerily quiet; shops close by 4pm. At sunset, the cannon fires and cafes fill. Traditional iftar begins with dates and harira (chickpea soup), followed by chebakia (honey-sesame pastries) and msemen flatbread. Night markets at Fes Bab Boujloud come alive until 3am. Ramadan in Morocco is more introspective than festival-like.
- Iftar cannon firing at sunset
- Harira chickpea soup (Ramadan staple)
- Chebakia honey-sesame pastries (only made during Ramadan)
Booking: Ramadan is actually a good time to visit Morocco (cheaper rates, less crowded) — hotels 4-6 weeks ahead
Eid al-Adhanationalreligious
26-May-2026 · 2027: 16-May-2027 · 4 days · Best in Marrakech · Crowds: moderate
Islamic Festival of Sacrifice with family gatherings and traditional celebrations.
Fraguando (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Traditional feasts
- Family gatherings
- Cultural experiences
Morocco Independence Daynationalnational
18-November-2026 · 2027: 18-November-2027 · 1 days · Best in Rabat · Crowds: moderate
November 18 marks the 1956 end of French and Spanish protectorates. Royal speeches, parades in Rabat, and public celebrations throughout Morocco.
- Royal speech broadcasts
- Rabat military parade
- Flag ceremonies
Booking: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak periods
Throne Daynationalnational
30-July-2026 · 2027: 30-July-2027 · 1 days · Best in Rabat · Crowds: high
July 30 national holiday celebrating King Mohammed VI's 1999 accession to the throne. Fireworks in major cities, illuminations of royal palaces, and public festivities in Rabat's main squares.
- Royal palace illuminations
- Fireworks in Rabat and Marrakech
- Public concerts
Booking: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak periods
Fes Festival of World Sacred Musiclocalarts entertainment
5-June-2026 · 2027: 4-June-2027 · 8 days · Best in Fes · Crowds: moderate
Renowned world music festival in Fes's medieval medina featuring sacred music from Sufi, gospel, Hindu, Buddhist, and other traditions in historic venues.
Ramon Fornós (Public domain)
- Sufi music at Bab Makina
- Medina courtyard concerts
- Cross-cultural dialogues
Booking: Book riad 3-4 weeks ahead
Gnaoua World Music Festivallocalarts entertainment
25-June-2026 · 2027: 24-June-2027 · 4 days · Best in Essaouira · Crowds: high
Acclaimed world music festival in coastal Essaouira blending Gnaoua, jazz, and world music.
Anderson sady (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Free outdoor concerts
- Gnaoua trance music
- International music fusions
Booking: Book 2 months ahead - Essaouira is small
Marrakech International Film Festivallocalarts entertainment
27-November-2026 · 2027: 3-December-2027 · 9 days · Best in Marrakech · Crowds: high
Nine-day international film festival backed by the Royal Family since 2001. Free outdoor screenings at Jemaa el-Fnaa square draw 15,000+ locals nightly. Hollywood celebrities regularly attend.
- Free nightly screenings at Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Celebrity tribute ceremonies
- Competition section
Booking: Book Marrakech riad 4-6 weeks ahead
Mawazine — Rhythms of the Worldlocalarts entertainment
19-June-2026 · 2027: 18-June-2027 · 9 days · Best in Rabat · Crowds: high
World's second-biggest music festival by attendance (2.5M+). Nine days across six Rabat venues. Past headliners: Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Shakira. Free stages plus ticketed premium nights.
- Free concerts at Salé and Bouregreg
- Premium ticketed shows at OLM Souissi
- Moroccan artist stages
Booking: Book Rabat hotel 6-8 weeks ahead
Green March Daynationalnational
6-November-2026 · 2027: 6-November-2027 · 1 days · Best in Rabat · Crowds: moderate
November 6 commemorates the 1975 peaceful march of 350,000 Moroccans into Western Sahara. Public holiday with parades, speeches, and flag ceremonies.
- Flag ceremonies nationwide
- Historical exhibitions
- Speeches and lectures
Booking: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak periods
Rose Festivallocalcultural
8-May-2026 · 2027: 7-May-2027 · 3 days · Best in Kelaat M'Gouna · Crowds: moderate
Celebration of the rose harvest in the Dades Valley with parades and music.
- Rose Queen crowning
- Parades
- Traditional music
Booking: Book 1 month ahead