All you need to know about Morocco: Moroccan culture

Morocco is an Islamic country that is very welcoming and tolerant of people from different cultures and religions, with many Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths making Morocco their home or travel destination. However, it is important for a tourist or even a resident to respect local customs and religious beliefs as they rightly hold strong religious and cultural views and beliefs.

The following will help you to avoid offending the local population. It will also allow you to get the most out of your stay and really feel at home.

 Morocco  Culture What To Wear

In any conservative or religious country such as Morocco, it is customary to wear appropriate clothing that covers all areas considered “private”. Women should cover their bodies from the knees up, shoulders, and arms. Men should cover their shoulders and the area above the knees. Morocco, like all countries, has cosmopolitan areas and cities where you will notice that local women and men dress more Western style, this is normal in cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Rabat, a safe assumption is to observe the locals and see what they wear and what they feel is appropriate.

All you need to know about Morocco Mosques and religious sites 

Visiting mosques in Morocco Culture is usually reserved for Muslims only and is not allowed for non-Muslims. However, there are a few mosques that can be visited by non-Muslims: Tin Mal mosque in the High Atlas, the Moulay Ismail imperial sanctuary courtyard in Meknes, the Great Mosque of Smara in Western Sahara, and the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to check with local tourist information offices, with tour guides, or with a good travel guidebook.

Other holy sites such as cemeteries, kebabs (saint’s tombs), and zaouias (religious schools or convents) should also be avoided.

Be sensitive around mosques and other places of worship, especially in rural areas, and avoid taking photos or walking through doors, this may be more acceptable in more cosmopolitan areas, but it’s best to ask first.

Meeting and greeting people

Meeting people for the first time in Morocco tends to focus on inquiring about their family, their children, their marital status, their health, and their well-being. Greetings are often made by shaking hands or, if you are meeting someone of the same sex, often with two kisses on the cheeks, starting from left to right. Men and women should always start by greeting each other, with the woman extending her hand first if she wishes to shake hands, otherwise, the man should just bow his head.

In Morocco Culture , public affection between the opposite sex is minimized, but holding hands between the same sex is considered platonic. Note that homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, so if you’re an LGBTQ traveler to Morocco, it’s best to research before you travel or visit our website for more information.

HANDS IN MOROCCO

In Morocco and similar Islamic countries, most gestures should be made with the right hand as the left hand is considered impure and is often reserved for toileting and cleaning, so all eating and greeting should be done with the right.

Pointing with the index finger is also considered rude, so if you need to gesture for someone to come towards you, it should be done with the palm of your right hand facing down and your hand moving towards you.

All you need to know about Morocco’s Typical Ramadan Festivals

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycle of the moon and therefore falls at varying dates every year, usually 10 days earlier every year. Ramadan prevents Muslims from eating, drinking, smoking, kissing, or even thinking or doing anything sexually, in order to promote spiritual connection and renewal. Visit Morocco During Ramadan

During this time you should expect extra services and calls to prayer in the mosques and the observance of the faithful to fast from sunrise to sunset. It is often observed that large feasts are held to break the fast at sunset.

Travelers to Morocco are not expected to fast during this time, but it is advisable to be respectful and considerate of others who may be fasting and observing their religious duty. It is respectful to avoid eating and drinking in public during this time.

Social invitations and going out to eat

It is not uncommon to be invited to a Moroccan home for dinner or tea, but you will need to be aware of some customs before entering a Moroccan home; you will be expected to remove your shoes and leave them by the door before entering the home; the host will inform you if this is not required, but it is very common practice.

If you are invited, it may be customary to sit separately from your spouse if they are invited, but it is always best to enquire before attending, as in most homes men and women eat and sit separately.

It is most common and polite to arrive at a house with a sweet gift such as nuts, dates, chocolate, etc. It may also be a good idea to bring a gift for the children of the house. You should avoid bringing alcohol unless you know the family and know that it would be acceptable. You should also avoid bringing hot food.

Eating is often at a knee-high round table with a communal plate in the middle, you sit on a cushion or mat. If you are eating from a communal plate, it will often be with your hands (remember your right hand) and you will try to eat within a triangular portion of the food that is immediately in front of you. Always expect to be offered more food as soon as you finish; it is polite to refuse the first time but accept a small portion the second time you are asked; your host may try to offer you more and encourage you to continue eating even if you feel full. This shows generosity and respect.

All you need to know about Tipping in Morocco

In Morocco it is customary to tip, however, there is no set amount and it is often dependent on the type of establishment and circumstances, as you travel around Morocco you will get used to and will have an idea of how much you are expected to tip.

The amount should depend on your personal perception and satisfaction with the service and your financial status or generosity. It is important never to ask someone how much they expect you to tip as this will lead to an awkward situation and you will still not know how much you are expected to pay.

The following people are expected to tip: bellboys, room maids, and waiters, in museums, tourist attractions, and monuments the curators should be tipped. Spa masseurs, tour guides and tour group drivers who help you find your hotel or restaurant would also expect a tip. It is considered polite to tip taxi drivers, but it is not expected but appreciated.

Gender in Morocco

These views are based on a more traditional belief and outlook, women would be expected to dress more modestly, not to drink alcohol or smoke in public and not to engage in any physical contact with men, however, this is not so strict in the larger cosmopolitan cities, but be aware of how the locals behave and follow their example.

Women may also receive more attention from men as they wander the streets. It is best to ignore this and not encourage it, and if you feel uncomfortable it is best to contact the local police station and stay out of busy public areas.

Women traveling to Morocco are not expected to dress as Moroccan women do, as might be expected in other Islamic countries. However, acting responsibly and respectfully will make your stay in Morocco more valuable and enjoyable.

In general, Moroccans are very generous and welcoming people, thousands of tourists pass through the country every week without any problems, enjoying the mystery and magic that Morocco Culture  has to offer, the country has hosted a great wealth of cultures from all over the world throughout history, which has made this country tolerant, welcoming and diverse. If you are aware of the people, their culture, their religion, and their way of life, your stay in Morocco will be pleasant and wonderful.