New Year's Day in Morocco
Morocco officially observes New Year on 1 January as a national holiday in the Gregorian calendar. For state and local government administrations, it is a one-day holiday; Morocco also lists the Hijra New Year and Amazigh New Year separately in its national and religious holiday calendar.[1][2]
A national holiday in the Gregorian calendar
Morocco’s government holiday calendar names 1 January “New Year” under national holidays. It places the Hijra New Year among religious holidays and lists Amazigh New Year separately, on 14 January. These are distinct calendar observances in Morocco.[1][2]
The holiday is also part of the rules for public administration. The ministry responsible for administrative reform says work in state administrations and territorial collectivities is suspended on the listed national and religious holidays. Its table assigns New Year one day, on 1 January.[2]
Public holiday status
The ministry’s page identifies 1 January as a one-day holiday for the public administrations and public establishments covered by Decree No. 2-77-169 of 28 February 1977, as amended. The decree does not state a substitute-day rule when 1 January falls on a weekend.[2]
The government calendar and administrative holiday page do not establish whether private employers, shops, banks or transport services close. The Labour Code addresses paid holidays and days off generally, but the cited official pages do not provide a New Year’s Day opening schedule for those services. Check directly with an employer or service before making plans.[2]
Observance and meaning in Morocco
The official sources consulted classify 1 January as a national holiday but do not describe a particular ceremony, customary meal, regional variation or public event for the day. They also do not establish that family dinners, tagine, couscous or city performances are common New Year’s Day customs, so those details should not be assumed.[1][2]
Work is suspended in state and territorial administrations on the listed holidays. Contact the relevant office if you need a particular service.[2]
A calendar shared with other new-year observances
Morocco’s official list places New Year on 1 January, Hijra New Year on 1 Muharram, and Amazigh New Year on 14 January. The list classifies them separately and gives different dates or calendar rules.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 January a public holiday in Morocco?
Yes. The ministry lists New Year on 1 January as a one-day holiday for state administrations and territorial collectivities.[2]
Do all workers get the day off?
The holiday page establishes the day off for public administrations and establishments within its scope. Check with a private employer about its arrangements.[2]
Are there substitute days when 1 January falls on a weekend?
The ministry’s holiday page lists the date and duration but does not state a substitute-day rule.[2]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
Check opening hours and transport arrangements with the specific provider or location before travelling.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Morocco:
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Maroc.ma, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Horaires de travail et jours fériés- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform