Planning your year ahead in Morocco requires knowing the official national public holidays for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing family gatherings, understanding when Morocco observes its nationwide holidays helps you make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed public holidays recognized across Morocco in 2026, excluding regional or local observances to ensure clarity and reliability for your planning needs.
Official Morocco Public Holidays 2026
Morocco observes a blend of Islamic holidays and secular national commemorations throughout the year. However, it’s important to note that Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which means dates shift approximately 10-12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, some holidays listed below are estimated based on astronomical calculations and may be subject to official moon sighting confirmations.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Ra’s as-Sanah al-Miladiyah) |
| January 11 | Sunday | Independence Manifesto Day |
| February 26* | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – Day 1 |
| February 27* | Friday | Eid al-Fitr – Day 2 |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 4* | Monday | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – Day 1 |
| May 5* | Tuesday | Eid al-Adha – Day 2 |
| May 24* | Sunday | Islamic New Year (Fatih Muharram) |
| July 30 | Thursday | Throne Day |
| August 2* | Sunday | Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) |
| August 14 | Friday | Oued Ed-Dahab Day |
| August 20 | Thursday | Revolution Day |
| August 21 | Friday | Youth Day |
| November 6 | Friday | Green March Day |
| November 18 | Wednesday | Independence Day |
*Note: Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting and may vary by one or two days. Official confirmation comes from Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
Key Planning Tips for 2026
Morocco’s 2026 calendar presents several strategic opportunities for extended breaks. Meanwhile, understanding how these holidays fall can significantly impact your scheduling decisions throughout the year. The Eid al-Adha celebration in early May creates a natural mid-spring break, while the August cluster of holidays—including Revolution Day and Youth Day—offers excellent opportunities for summer travel planning.
On the other hand, some holidays fall on weekends in 2026, which means you won’t gain additional days off from work. For instance, Independence Manifesto Day falls on Sunday, January 11, and several Islamic holidays also land on weekends. However, when planning international travel or business meetings, always verify specific dates closer to the time, particularly for Islamic holidays that depend on lunar observations.
For precise timing when coordinating across time zones, check the current local times around the world to ensure your meetings align perfectly with Morocco’s GMT+1 timezone. Additionally, if you’re managing projects or need to track specific durations for travel or events, our timer tools can help you stay organized throughout your planning process.
Understanding Morocco’s Holiday Calendar System
Morocco uniquely observes both Gregorian and Islamic calendar holidays, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage and modern governance. The secular holidays—such as Independence Day and Throne Day—commemorate pivotal moments in Moroccan history and remain fixed on the Gregorian calendar each year. Consequently, these dates provide reliable anchors for long-term planning.
Islamic holidays, however, follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. This means these holidays shift earlier each year when viewed through the Gregorian calendar lens. Furthermore, the exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be confirmed months in advance because they depend on official moon sighting by religious authorities. Therefore, employers and travelers should remain flexible when planning around these observances.
For more detailed information about planning around holidays and understanding time management across different regions, visit our comprehensive guides section where you’ll find practical resources for scheduling and time zone coordination.
Business and Travel Considerations
When conducting business in Morocco during 2026, keep in mind that government offices, banks, and many private businesses close on all official public holidays. Moreover, the days surrounding major Islamic holidays often see reduced business activity as families gather for celebrations. Transportation services may also operate on modified schedules, particularly during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
International travelers should note that hotel prices typically increase during major holiday periods, especially in popular destinations like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca. On the other hand, booking well in advance can secure better rates and ensure availability. Additionally, some tourist attractions may have altered opening hours or special programming during national celebrations, which can actually enhance your cultural experience if planned appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Morocco?
All holidays listed in the table above are official nationwide public holidays in Morocco for 2026. These include both fixed Gregorian calendar dates such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Throne Day, as well as Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet’s Birthday. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close on these days throughout the country.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 fall adjacent to weekends or cluster together, creating extended break opportunities. Notably, the Eid al-Adha celebrations in early May (May 4-5) fall on Monday and Tuesday, which could create a four-day weekend if combined with the preceding weekend. Additionally, Revolution Day (August 20) and Youth Day (August 21) fall on Thursday and Friday, naturally extending into the weekend. However, some holidays like Independence Manifesto Day (January 11) and Islamic New Year (May 24) fall on Sundays, so they won’t create additional days off.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, all Islamic holidays marked with an asterisk (*) in the table are subject to change based on official moon sighting by Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs. These dates—including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday—may shift by one or two days depending on when the new moon is observed. Consequently, it’s advisable to confirm these dates closer to the actual time, especially if you’re making critical travel or business arrangements. Fixed Gregorian holidays like Independence Day and Throne Day will not change.
Do businesses close for all public holidays in Morocco?
Most government offices, banks, schools, and many private businesses close on official public holidays. However, essential services, hotels, restaurants in tourist areas, and some retail establishments may remain open with modified hours. During major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, expect more widespread closures as these are particularly significant family-oriented celebrations. Meanwhile, tourist attractions in major cities often maintain operations but may adjust their schedules.
How do Islamic holidays affect the work week in Morocco?
Islamic holidays in Morocco are typically observed for one or two consecutive days, as indicated in the holiday table. During these periods, both public and private sector employees generally have the days off. Furthermore, the days immediately before and after major Islamic holidays often see reduced business activity and productivity as people prepare for or recover from celebrations. International businesses working with Moroccan partners should plan accordingly and avoid scheduling critical meetings or deadlines around these periods.
Conclusion
Understanding Morocco’s public holidays for 2026 empowers you to plan effectively whether you’re a resident, business professional, or traveler. This comprehensive calendar provides all confirmed nationwide holidays, helping you schedule vacations, coordinate business activities, and make the most of extended weekends throughout the year. Remember to verify Islamic holiday dates closer to the time as they depend on lunar observations.
For additional planning resources and time-related tools, explore our main public holidays section where you’ll find calendars for countries worldwide. Stay organized, plan ahead, and make 2026 your most productive year yet by leveraging this official holiday calendar in your scheduling decisions.