Independence Day in Morocco
Morocco observes Independence Day on November 18, a national holiday linked to Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef’s return from exile and the country’s struggle for independence. The date is also a paid day off for staff in public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services under Morocco’s holiday decree.[1][2]
Date and legal status
Morocco’s government lists Independence Day on November 18. Decree No. 2-77-169, as amended, names it among the annual holidays observed as paid days off in public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services; the decree lists one day for the holiday.[1][2]
The government’s administrative guidance says work in state and territorial administrations is suspended on national and religious holidays set by the decree. Independence Day is observed on its fixed November 18 date.[1][2]
Why the date matters
The day recalls the return of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef to Morocco on November 16, 1955, after exile. Two days later, on November 18, he delivered his first Throne Speech after returning. France officially recognized Moroccan independence on March 2, 1956, making the 1955 return and speech milestones in the national story rather than the date of that recognition.[3]
Moroccan official accounts describe the holiday as commemorating the return and the struggle to end the protectorate. They connect its meaning with the recovery of national sovereignty and the relationship between the Throne and the people.[3][4]
Commemorations
The holiday is one of Morocco’s listed national holidays, alongside the January 11 anniversary of the Independence Manifesto and other dates in the country’s national calendar.[2]
A documented example of observance comes from Archives du Maroc, the national archives. For Independence Day, it presented photographs from 1955 showing the Sultan’s return, fireworks in Salé and students congratulating him. The archive described the collection as a way to bring attention to this period of Moroccan history.[4]
Closures and planning
Public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services are covered by the holiday decree, which designates November 18 as a paid day off for their personnel. Plan administrative errands for another day.[1]
Check directly with shops and transport providers for their holiday schedules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is it a day off?
The decree designates it as a paid day off for personnel in public administrations, public establishments and concessioned services. Check with a private employer about its arrangements.[1]
Will shops and public transport be open?
Check with shops and transport operators for their holiday hours before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Independence Day in Morocco:
- 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
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Maroc.ma, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco
- Dates clés- Maroc.ma, citing the Royal Institute for Research in the History of Morocco
- Archives du Maroc célèbre l’anniversaire de la glorieuse Fête de l’Indépendance- Archives du Maroc