Travelling to Morocco During Ramadan
Is it a good idea?
Travelling to Morocco during Ramadan is a truly unique experience! For some travellers, this can seem quite a daunting idea, but learning beforehand about Ramadan and what to expect during your trip will prepare you for a holiday of a lifetime!
Ramadan?
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours to draw closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, elderly people and children, are exempt from fasting.
Fasting does not automatically mean less or lighter food for Moroccans; it simply means not eating during daylight hours. Moroccans will awaken before the sun rises, to fuel themselves for the day with their breakfast. Then when the sun goes down, they will have their Iftar or Ftoor meals. It is a time for family members to gather around, share their tasty meal and exchange stories. It is a time of celebration, happiness and enjoyment and takes a few hours. Moroccans will often have guests over too.
You’ll still eat well, even during daylight hours. Hotel and chain restaurants will be open, and activity and tour providers will have you covered if meals are part of the package. Restaurants stay open during the day during Ramadan as lots of places still rely heavily on tourism. However, there is less availability in the less touristy areas of Morocco. Tourists are not expected to fast and can certainly eat according to their normal routines, Moroccans do not expect tourists to abstain from eating or drinking.
The 27th night of Ramadan celebrates the Qur’an revelation every year. It is a very special and spiritual night for Muslims. All family members gather together and give each other gifts, for example, Moroccan clothes such as kaftans, or even cash. During this night people practise Tarawih, which are prayers performed in groups or pairs throughout the night. Some people prefer to pray at home, however, many men gather at their mosque and stay there all night. Once the prayers are finished, mint tea and cookies are offered. Another special practice is Bkhour which is performed by burning a fragrant dry plant in each house to spread its beautiful scents.
Eid al-Fitr:
After thirty days of continuous fasting, faithful prayers and total obedience, Moroccans end their spiritual adventure and break their fast. It is time to celebrate the feast called Eid al-Fitr. This a wonderfully joyous occasion when everyone visits their families. It is a time for forgiveness and compassion between all members of the Muslim community. It is considered the day of reward, and victory celebration! Women clean and decorate their houses; they wear their special Eid garments and decorated jellabas. They buy new outfits for their children and prepare a collection of homemade cookies, cakes and pastries. Men attend the feast prayers then visit their relatives.
Being a Tourist in Morocco during
Moroccan people are very open-minded and happy for tourists to continue as they normally would. You will not experience any discomfort or embarrassment by living your life normally during Ramadan. Many Moroccans invite tourists to experience the Ftoor at their houses. And some tourists do actually engage in the fasting experience. They appreciate the intimate and warm moments of a Moroccan family sharing the same table and exchanging stories over golden cups of mint tea.
Will Morocco be busy during Ramadan?
Ramadan tends to be off-season for tourists, so most places you visit or stay in will be less crowded. It’s business as usual for most of those working in the tourism industry; tours will run, adventure activities continue, and most tourist sites will be open. If you’re a night owl, you’ll love the opportunity to experience traditional Moroccan food and culture at night, when the city streets come alive and stay that way until midnight or later.
Photocredits: marketing deluxe
Location: Heure Bleue Palais
