Anniversary of the Green March in Morocco
Morocco marks the Anniversary of the Green March each year on November 6. The day commemorates the 1975 march and is listed as a national holiday; public administrations suspend work for national holidays under Moroccan rules.[1][2]
What the day commemorates
The Green March took place on November 6, 1975. A Moroccan government historical record describes the departure of 350,000 volunteers, including 35,000 women. King Mohammed VI has described it as a peaceful popular march.[3][4]
The anniversary has a particular place in Morocco’s public narrative because it is tied to the country’s view of territorial integrity and its relationship with the Sahara. In a speech marking the anniversary, King Mohammed VI connected the march with Morocco’s claim to the territory and with the bond between its inhabitants and the kingdom.[4]
A national holiday on November 6
Morocco’s official list of national holidays names November 6 as the Anniversary of the Green March. The listing is also reflected in Decree No. 2-77-169, which sets out paid non-working holidays in public administrations, public establishments and concessionary services.[1][2]
The decree specifies that the listed holidays are observed annually and does not provide for a substitute day when November 6 falls on a weekend.[2]
Commemoration and public services
Royal speeches have been delivered on Green March anniversaries. King Mohammed VI has remembered the march’s participants and its architect, King Hassan II.[4]
For practical planning, expect Moroccan state administrations and territorial authorities to suspend work for this national holiday. The decree also covers public establishments and concessionary services. Check with individual shops, banks and transport providers before making plans.[2][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is the Anniversary of the Green March?
Is it a public day off in Morocco?
Yes. The decree lists it as an annual paid non-working holiday for staff in public administrations, public establishments and concessionary services.[2]
Is there a substitute day if November 6 falls on a weekend?
The cited decree lists November 6 as the holiday but does not specify a substitute day.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of the Green March in Morocco:
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Maroc.ma; Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Décret n° 2-77-169 du 9 rebia I 1397 (28 février 1977) fixant la liste des jours fériés chômés dans les administrations publiques, établissements publics et services concédés.- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Kingdom of Morocco
- 6 November: Departure of the Green March with the participation of 350,000 volunteers, including 35,000 women 1975- Maroc.ma; Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- HM the King Delivers Speech to Nation on Green March 49th Anniversary (Full text)- Maroc.ma; Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Horaires de travail et jours fériés- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Kingdom of Morocco