Why you should visit Morocco during Ramadan

A friend of mine called me last week in panic after she realised that the holiday she booked to Morocco will fall during Ramadan, the month of fast. She was looking forward to exploring Marrakech, Essaouira and trekking in the desert for two weeks with her family during the Easter school break and was suddenly feeling deflated after she read somewhere that everything will be closed and they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the sights, the food and smells in the bustling markets. I laughed briefly then reassured her that none of that is likely to happen and if anything, she might be in for a unique cultural experience. This gave me the idea to write this article as I’m sure many travellers likely find themselves in my friend’s situation.

UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN IN MOROCCAN CULTURE

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and holds significant cultural and religious importance across the globe. Visiting Morocco during Ramadan offers a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s culture, traditions, and see a different side to the one tourists usually see.

During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset as a form of worship and self-discipline. The fast, known as “Sawm,” involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during…