Morocco customs and traditions

Morocco customs are mostly logical and easy to pick up, but it is well worth it to do your research beforehand. Moroccan customs are similar to customs in South Africa, Italy, Portugal and other African countries.

Morocco is a colorful mix of African, Islamic, Arab, Berber and European influences. Fez, Marrakech and Meknes are famous imperial cities. Also famous are the walled Medinas with good carpet shops. Morocco has a very young population (50% under 20 years). The smoking of Kif (cannabis) is an ancient tradition in northern Morocco.

If you travel to Morocco, here are some helpful tips and insights into the customs and traditions of Morocco to keep you on the right way.

Greetings are important part of communicating in Morocco, and a cursory greeting is considered rude. Upon meeting, Moroccans shake hands and then touch their hearts with their right hands as a show of affection. Friends ask not only how each other is doing but how each other’s family is as well. Children in rural areas conventionally kiss the right hand of their parents or elders to show respect when greeting them. Some people might greet relatives or close friends by kissing cheeks or brushing.

Many Moroccans, especially in rural areas, may well take exception to (or get the wrong idea from) clothes that do not fully cover parts of the body which considered to the "private". That may include shoulders and both legs, especially for women. Moroccans are religious people. Islamic practices affect all aspects of life, especially in more remote communities. As in all Islamic communities the call to prayer will be heard five times a day. During the holy month of Ramadan, Moslems fast from daybreak till sunset. This fast puts a great strain on them as they will often rise at 4am to have breakfast. In towns some shops in the Ramadan month are closed for long periods during daylight hours and also at dusk many shops close for an hour while the fasting population has their meal.

While Moroccan homes are private affairs, people entertain their guests at home rather than at a cafe or in a restaurant, even different business meetings between foreign investors who would like to invest in Morocco property take place at home. Moroccans feel a strong duty to be a generous host, meeting their guests’ every need. A Moroccan proverb goes, “Feed your guests, even if you are starving.”

Wedding is a new union between families and are celebrated as wonderful as possible. A wedding usually lasts two days. Nowadays, it is becoming a custom for wealth parents of groom or bride to present gifts such as cars, property in Morocco like houses, villas and apartments.

Photography needs to be undertaken with a big care. If you are obviously taking a photograph of someone, firstly, ask their permission - especially in the more remote, rural regions where you can cause genuine offence.

When invited to dinner, guests are not expected to bring a gift unless the occasion is to celebrate something special. Milk and dates are served as a sign of hospitality. Guests please their hosts by complimenting them on their home. Men and women do not always socialize together. In rural areas, they more often associate separately, while couples in urban areas will socialize in mixed company.

Under Islamic law a Moroccan husband may have up to four wives, providing equally for each. To take another wife, a man must have permission from his current wife or wives. Under Moroccan economic reality, though, the actual practice of polygamy is rare.

Moroccan culture is welcoming and full of things to discover for the enterprising tourist. After a few days, you'll be well-versed in the customs and traditions of Morocco and ready to see more of Africa.

Author: Shelly Sugar