Ramadan is a profoundly spiritual time in Morocco, one that is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and practices. During the holy month, the nation comes together to fast, abstaining from eating or drinking from the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun. Through self-discipline, heightened prayer and charitable giving, devotees see it as an opportunity to draw closer to the divine.
While non-Muslims often view Ramadan as simply a duty that comes with a lot of onerous restrictions, most Moroccans describe feeling a profound sense of joy as the holy month approaches. My husband is always excited in the lead-up and embraces the opportunity to carry out the obligations he was taught as a young boy.
As the rhythms of daily life shift, Ramadan is a time to gather with family and community. There’s a greater emphasis placed on spirituality (rather than jobs and study) and each evening is like a mini party as people come together to feast on traditional Moroccan cuisine. Having lived in Morocco during two Ramadans, I can attest that it’s a wonderful time to be there.
If you’re thinking about travelling to Morocco during Ramadan and wondering what to expect, this article is for you. I’ll share with you insights into daily life during the holy month and the advantages of visiting the country during this period.
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Understanding Ramadan in Morocco
Ramadan is a month-long observance in the Islamic faith that's marked by daily fasting, spiritual reflection and communal celebration. Unlike many other holidays, Ramadan's dates are not fixed, as the Islamic calendar follows a lunar pattern, rather than the solar one used in much of the world. This means that the timing of Ramadan shifts by approximately 10 days each year and the holy month is experienced at different times throughout the seasons.
During the month, Muslims engage in a daily fast that extends from the early hours of the morning (when they have their pre-dawn meal suhoor) until the sun sets in the evening. The fast is all-encompassing, prohibiting not just the consumption of food and drink, but also the indulgence in pleasures like smoking or sexual activity. It's not only a means of encouraging spiritual discipline but also gaining empathy for the less fortunate.
As the sun dips below the horizon, families and communities gather to break the fast together, sharing in a hearty and celebratory meal known as iftar. This often begins with a few dates and includes traditional dishes like harira soup, as well as an array of sweet pastries, fresh fruits and other stomach-filling treats.
It’s worth noting that certain individuals are exempted from fasting, such as young children, the elderly and pregnant or nursing women. Women who are menstruating are also permitted to abstain from fasting, although they are expected to make up the missed days at a later time. This flexibility underscores the need to balance spiritual devotion with practical considerations.
Throughout Ramadan, Moroccans place a strong emphasis on charitable giving, sharing their blessings with the less fortunate in their communities. This might be through the gifting of food or funds to the local mosque, which carries out the task of distributing them to those in need. It is believed that this selfless act of generosity is especially meaningful during the holy month, as it aligns with the principle of spiritual purification.
One of the most distinctive Ramadan traditions in Morocco is the performance of Taraweeh prayers. While not compulsory, these additional evening prayers hold great significance, drawing crowds of men clad in traditional white garments to their local mosques. Ultimately, Ramadan is a time for Moroccans of the Islamic faith to reflect on their blessings, cultivate empathy and self-control, and strengthen their connection to their faith and community.
Travelling to Morocco in Ramadan
Breaking the fast during Ramadan in Morocco
The meal that breaks the Ramadan fast is known as Iftar, and it's eagerly anticipated by Moroccan Muslims who have been fasting throughout the day. Dates, with their natural sweetness, are often the first item consumed, providing a much-needed surge of energy after a day of abstinence. Accompanying the dates are glasses of milk, water and juices to help rehydrate the body, as well as an assortment of sugary treats.
In the days and weeks leading up to Ramadan, large batches of traditional sweets like sellou and chebekia are prepared, ensuring a steady supply throughout the holy month. On most iftar tables is harira, a hearty, slow-simmered soup filled with meat, lentils and aromatic spices. Hard-boiled eggs and savoury or sweet-filled pastries are also common, as are carbohydrate-rich pancakes and flatbreads.
Eid al-Fitr in Morocco
Eid al-Fitr is a celebratory festival that marks the end of Ramadan and the fasting period. My husband usually refers to it as "small Eid" (in contrast to the bigger Eid al-Adha), although it always feels like a huge celebration to me! Everyone has the day off work or school and there’s just a joyous atmosphere in the streets.
On this day, Moroccans gather in large congregations to perform Eid prayers, expressing gratitude to the Almighty and seeking blessings for the year ahead. The prayers are often followed by the giving of alms and charitable donations, as the faithful share their bounty with less fortunate members of their communities. Eid al-Fitr is also a time of mutual congratulations, with friends and family members exchanging well wishes for a prosperous future.
Once the spiritual side of things is complete, it’s time to feast! At the heart of Eid al-Fitr’s celebratory meal in Morocco is the tajine, which is slow-cooked to perfection in a cone-shaped clay pot. Alongside the tajine, tables are adorned with an array of freshly baked Moroccan breads, seasonal fruits and, of course, endless pots of sweet mint tea.
Travelling to Morocco in Ramadan
Travelling to Morocco during Ramadan
While it might feel like stepping into the unknown or even intruding on a religious occasion, travelling to Morocco during Ramadan is, in fact, a wonderful cultural experience. That being said, it does require a bit of preparation and flexibility from foreign visitors, as well as sensitivity to those who are fasting around you.
Will you be required to fast? No. Moroccans are generally open-minded about the beliefs of others and won’t expect you to participate, unless you want to. Most will welcome you with open arms if you want to fast with them, even if it’s just for a day or two. More important is respecting their traditions and understanding that the rhythm and pace of life in the country during Ramadan are a little different.
With the majority of the population fasting from sunrise to sunset, restaurants and shops often keep reduced hours or close entirely. Many of the country's convenience stores and corner markets don’t open their doors until the afternoon (when people start preparing for iftar), so it’s best to stock up on supplies, such as snacks and water when you get the chance.
The situation is similar when it comes to restaurants, with only a small fraction of eateries remaining open to serve non-fasting patrons. During Ramadan, it’s best to organise to have breakfast at your hotel or riad, then have something to snack on throughout the day, in case you can’t find a restaurant for a sit-down meal. Wherever possible, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public areas while those around you are fasting. Instead, retreat to the privacy of your accommodation to do so.
Aside from gaining insight into the country’s spiritual traditions, the reward for travellers who visit Morocco during Ramadan is the after-dark atmosphere. Moroccans of all ages take to the streets to socialise after the iftar meal and there’s a feeling of celebration in the air. After conserving energy throughout the day, both young and old take the opportunity to stretch their legs and connect with those around them.
Many restaurants that were closed during the day now spring into action and stay open until midnight or 1 o’clock in the morning. Some offer special iftar menus that feature quintessential dishes like dates, harira soup and briouats (filled pastries). Even major grocery store chains like Carrefour extend their hours to cater to the nighttime crowds, allowing Moroccans ample opportunity to stock up on supplies for the following day.
Travelling to Morocco in Ramadan
Experiencing Morocco during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Exploring the nighttime markets and festivities that emerge after sunset is one of the great joys of travelling to Morocco during Ramadan. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the sense of community and spirituality that radiate throughout the country and can make for an unforgettable cultural experience. Moroccans are incredibly hospitable people and it’s more than likely you’ll get invited into someone’s home to share an iftar meal.
If possible, coincide your visit to Morocco with the last few days of Ramadan and stay to experience the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Just keep in mind that some Moroccans take a few extra days off work during this period to travel and visit family, so it’s best to book transport in advance.
Because Ramadan falls on a different date each year, the length of the daily fasting period can vary considerably. When Ramadan falls during the summer months, the hours of fasting can be extremely long due to the extended daylight hours. This lengthy abstinence from food and drink, combined with the scorching temperatures of a Moroccan summer, can make the observance of Ramadan a true test of endurance, even for the locals who are accustomed to the tradition.
To help you plan a trip to Morocco during Ramadan, I’ve listed the rough dates of the holy month for the coming years. Remember that the exact dates aren’t decided until much closer to the time with the sighting of the new moon.
27 Feb to 29 Mar 2025
6 Feb to 18 Mar 2026
7 Feb to 8 Mar 2027
Though it may require a bit more planning, travel to Morocco during Ramadan offers you a rare chance to see the country in a profoundly different light and gain a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions.
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