Public Holidays in Morocco in 2026: Between National Memory, Religious Calendar, and Daily Organization
Every year, public holidays hold a special place in the lives of Moroccans. They rhythm the administrative, educational, economic, and family activities. In 2026, the Moroccan calendar will be marked by major fixed national festivals, religious celebrations tied to the Hijri calendar, and also by more recently established dates such as Amazigh New Year and Unity Day.
National holidays are known in advance, as they occur on the same dates each year in the Gregorian calendar. The religious holidays, however, depend on lunar observations and the official announcement by the relevant authorities. This means that some dates may be adjusted by a day based on the confirmation of the lunar crescent.
Fixed National Holidays in 2026
The Moroccan civil calendar begins with New Year's Day, celebrated on Thursday, January 1, 2026. A few days later, the country commemorates the Anniversary of the Independence Manifesto on Sunday, January 11. Wednesday, January 14 marks Amazigh New Year, which has become an important official date recognizing Morocco's deep cultural and identity heritage.
Friday, May 1 will be dedicated to Labor Day, before entering a very symbolic summer sequence. Throne Day will be celebrated on Thursday, July 30, followed by the Anniversary of the Recovery of Oued Eddahab on Friday, August 14, the Revolution of the King and the People on Thursday, August 20, and Youth Day on Friday, August 21.
The end of the year will also be rich in national dates. Saturday, October 31 will correspond to Unity Day, Friday, November 6 to the Anniversary of the Green March, and Wednesday, November 18 to Independence Day.
Religious Holidays in 2026
Religious holidays are based on the Hijri calendar. For 2026, Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, was celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026. This date was officially confirmed after the observation of the lunar crescent of Shawwal.
Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is expected around Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with celebrations typically organized over two days. This holiday remains one of the most significant religious and family moments of the year in Morocco.
The Hijri New Year, or 1st Muharram, is anticipated around Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Finally, Eid al-Mawlid al-Nabawi, commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, is expected around Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
However, these religious dates should be presented with caution: the definitive dates always depend on the official announcement made in Morocco.
Summary Table of Public Holidays in Morocco in 2026
| Date | Day | Festival | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year | Civil |
| January 11, 2026 | Sunday | Independence Manifesto | National |
| January 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Amazigh New Year | National |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr | Religious |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Second Day of Eid al-Fitr | Religious |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labor Day | Civil |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha | Religious |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Second Day of Eid al-Adha | Religious |
| June 17, 2026 | Wednesday | 1st Muharram | Religious |
| July 30, 2026 | Thursday | Throne Day | National |
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | Recovery of Oued Eddahab | National |
| August 20, 2026 | Thursday | Revolution of the King and the People | National |
| August 21, 2026 | Friday | Youth Day | National |
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid al-Mawlid al-Nabawi | Religious |
| October 31, 2026 | Saturday | Unity Day | National |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Green March | National |
| November 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Independence Day | National |
A Useful Calendar for Families, Businesses, and Travelers
Beyond their symbolic dimension, public holidays have a concrete impact on the organization of the country. Families use them to plan travels, reunions, and vacations. Businesses must anticipate periods of closure, administrative slowdowns, or high commercial demand. Travelers must also take these dates into account when organizing their stays, especially during religious holidays when transport and certain services may be heavily utilized.
The year 2026 presents several opportunities for long weekends, particularly around May 1, Throne Day, Recovery of Oued Eddahab, Youth Day, and the Green March. These dates could encourage internal travel, national tourism, and family activities.
A Year Marked by Plurality of Moroccan References
The calendar of public holidays in Morocco reflects the plurality of the national identity. It combines major milestones in the political history of the Kingdom, significant religious references of Islam, symbols of national sovereignty, and recognition of Amazigh heritage.
In 2026, this diversity is clearly visible: from Amazigh New Year to the Green March, from Eid al-Fitr to Throne Day, each date highlights a different facet of Moroccan history, culture, and collective life.
Sources
Official portal of the Kingdom of Morocco, page on "National and Religious Festivals", for the list of recognized national and religious holidays in Morocco.
Médias24, 2025-2026 calendar of public holidays and school vacations in Morocco, for civil dates and indicative religious dates.
MAP, official announcement of Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Morocco, confirming Friday, March 20, 2026.
Maroc Force Emploi, calendar of public holidays in Morocco 2026, for the summary table of dates.
