the Destination
Home to a rich culture that goes far beyond what can be seen in the bazaars of Marrakesh, Morocco is a mesmerizing place. As the landscapes of this country change from snow-capped peaks to arid desert valleys, Morocco opens up its different facets.
Oriental bazaars and eco-friendly beach resorts, the sand dunes of the Sahara and the Exotic Gardens of Rabat, all kinds of shades of blue in Shevshaun, mosaics, mosques and ancient ocher cities – all this makes up a special atmosphere and flavor of Morocco.
facts & figures
Capital: Rabat
Population: 37,870,000
Language: Arabic
Currency: Dirham
Best places to visit: Meknes, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Tetouan.
Best time to visit: All year round.
What to do
Multifaceted and full of intrigue, Morocco is perfect for any type of holiday, from luxury to full of adventure and discovery. Gorgeous hotels and snow-capped mountain ranges, rocky hamads and the wide sand dunes of the Sahara desert – there is much to explore here.
Interesting Traditions
Rose Festival · May
The Rose Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Morocco, which takes place in early May. It has been celebrated for half a century in the small town of Kelaat M’Guna, located in the Dades Valley or Rose Valley. The festival brings together more than twenty thousand people, who flood Morocco at this time to enjoy dancing and inhale the scent of roses during three days. Perfume, creams and jams can be purchased during the celebration. All of these products are, of course, made from Roses!
Cherry Festival · June
The Cherry Festival is held in June in the city of Sefrou. For three days parades, singing and dancing performances take place in the streets in Sefrou and a long-awaited beauty contest is held there, where the Queen of Cherries is chosen.
Gnawa World Music Festival · May
Every year in May, the streets, squares and beaches of Essaouira are filled with the enchanting rhythms of music. On the opening day of this festival, a grandiose parade of musicians takes place. After that, the artists start competing in virtuosity at outdoor concert venues.
Date Festival · October
This sweet festival is annually held on October 17th in the city of Erfoud and coincides with the harvest season. Trade tents are set up throughout the city where one can buy date sweets. It is worth remembering that Ramadan also begins in October, when Moroccans follow the tradition of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
Eid al-Adha · November - December
In November and December, at the end of the fast of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Lamb, is celebrated. This holiday is dedicated to the Sacrifice of Abraham, so the main ritual of the holiday is the sacrifice of a lamb, which is then eaten. During this holiday, gala dinners are held, at which relatives and friends give gifts to each other.
Gallery
Looking for inspiration? View our photo gallery of Morocco!
