Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Every year, the holy Muslim month of Ramadan falls in May or June (the exact dates change). In 2020, Ramadan begins on April 24 and ends on May 23 with Eid-ul-Fitr.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day during Ramadan. The streets of traditional regions come alive in the evenings with delicious aromas of delights to satiate the hungry. The most important part of the day is the dinner, known as iftar. People go all out to celebrate it by cooking delectable food that spills out into the streets. It's a 24-hour affair, sehar, because devotees also come out for the morning meal. Around an hour and a half before daybreak, the call to morning prayer is made.

Ramadan is a sober month in Morocco, as it is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. The end of the fast, however, is marked by the Eid al-Fitr feast, which lasts many days. The festival is centered on prayer and family, with plenty of food.

Where: Throughout Morocco

When: Changes according to the Islamic calendar, check online for confirmed dates.