Visiting Morocco During Ramadan
This is a question that many people ask themselves every year, and it raises a lot of doubts and uncertainties. As this time is just around the corner, I think it’s important to give you some detailed information.
My clear recommendation: YES. Without hesitation. During my first Ramadan here, I found my apartment and didn’t even think that anything could change or that this time would affect my stay in any way. Everything was normal for me, and because I was so busy finding my way around, I didn’t really notice my surroundings. And in the tourist areas, everything was the same. It felt like low season. And honestly – who doesn’t enjoy this?
After Ramadan, everything around me seemed to be blossoming. I hadn’t realised there were so many cafes, restaurants and shops in my area and that this part of the city was so lively. I put it down to the season.
Which I actually noticed: The clocks have been changed and it’s extremely quiet, you can enjoy everything wonderfully, there was such a general calming energy.
what is Ramadan?
It is the most important month in the Islamic calendar and a time of reflection and piety. Muslims believe that the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD and revealed the Qur’an to him. But fasting also has a spiritual significance: hunger and thirst make people empathise with those who cannot take it for granted that they will always have enough to eat or clean drinking water. People do a lot of reflection, recharging their batteries and embarking on a special time of personal development.
Ramadan lasts about 30 days and ends with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the “sugar festival”. During this time, people abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and all forms of intimacy from dawn to sunset.
What to look out for?
Opening hours: some shops, markets and services close earlier (just before sunset) or have changed opening hours, some even close completely. But don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty to do in the tourist areas.
Excursions, attractions: You can enjoy the tours you have booked during Ramadan, and tours can be booked all year round.
Curious about what the locals do or how they feel during this time? Feel free to ask questions, but please be respectful.
My personal opinion:
Travelling to Morocco during Ramadan can be a unique experience. A mixture of adventure, traditional customs and spirituality. This unique opportunity will show you a different side of Morocco: the usually energetic country will slow down, you will feel the endurance, strength and stamina of the locals, and your perspective is guaranteed to change (if you are open to it).
