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>> Religion
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 Islam is the official religion of
Morocco. Prayer takes place
five times a day. Both Tangier
and Tetouan have many
mosques.
Tangier, Tetouan and other
cities in the North of Morocco
also have churches and
synagogues where Catholics,
Protestants and Jews living in
or visiting Morocco can freely
worship.
The month or Ramadan is sacred for Moroccans just
like for all Muslims. The faithful fast from sunrise to
sunset. The general living schedule and working hours
change accordingly. Public administrations and
services, banks and even private enterprises work the
day straight through, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. As in the other cities in the Kingdom, in the
evening Tangier and Tetouan come alive with special
outings and family strolls.
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>>Religious Feasts
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 Religious feasts occur at different times depending on
the Muslim lunar year or Hijra consisting of 12 months.
Eid El Fitr
The end of Ramadan is marked by the firing of 10
cannon balls. The celebration begins in the morning
with Eid prayers at the mosque. A festive meal is
prepared as well as visits to family and friends.
Aid El Fitr
The end of the month of pilgrimage finished with the
great feast of the sacrifice called Eid Al Adha or El
Kebir. This refers to the feast of the
sacrifice of Brahim (Abraham). Every family
able to do so offers the sacrifice of a
sheep. A part of the lamb is offered to the
needy.
Aid Al Adha
The end of the month of pilgrimage finished with the
great feast of the sacrifice called Eid Al Adha or El
Kebir. This refers to the feast of the
sacrifice of Brahim (Abraham). Every family
able to do so offers the sacrifice of a
sheep. A part of the lamb is offered to the
needy.
Achoura
This is the most important feast for Shiites.
Achoura is the commemoration of the
death of martyr Hussein during the conflict
over the successor to the Prophet. For the
children of Morocco, a Sunni country, this
is a feast for receiving gifts of toys.
El Mouloud
This is the feast commemorating the birth of the
Prophet Muhammad. It is a 2-day family and national
holiday. But for the people of Tangier it means a whole
week of festivities, on the last day ending with a visit to
the mausoleum of marabout Sidi Boaarrakia.
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>>National Holidays
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 January 1: New Year
January 11: Independence Manifesto
May 1: Labor Day
July 30: Throne Day
August 14: Allegiance of Oued Eddahab
August 20: Revolution of the King and
the People
August 21: Youth Day
November 6: Green March Day
November 18: Independence Day
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>>Public Holidays
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In Morocco the weekend is on
Saturday and Sunday. Working
hours are specially arranged for
Muslims on Fridays, a holy day for all
The Tangier-Tetouan region is an unforgettable stopover where one switches
continents, customs, people and life style making it possible to get away from it
all
Destination Tangier- Tetouan 2006
culture and life style
Muslims devoted to Friday
prayers at the mosque. The
other public holidays are
either religious or national.
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>>Dress
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 The traditional garb in
Tangier and Tetouan is the
djellaba for men and the
djellaba for or caftan for ladies.
In the mountainous parts of this
region people wear the gray burnoose
and peasant women the red, white and blue
striped fouta. Even so, western style dress and readyto-
wear clothes are seen more and more frequently for
reasons of fashion and practicality.
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>>Practical Advice
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Morocco is one of the Arab and Muslim countries the
most open to the West, especially Europe. However,
visitors to the Tangier and Tetouan region must keep in
mind that to have a nice stay it's best to comply with
local usage.
>>If you visit during the month of
Ramadan it's best to avoid eating or
drinking in public during the day.
>>Avoid wearing revealing clothes
-Non-Muslims are not allowed to
enter mosques or holy places.
>>If you want to take a picture of
someone, it's best to ask for
permission first.
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>>Hospitality
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 Morocco is famous for the hospitality and
warmth of its people. The people of Tangier
and Tetouan and all Northerners never fail to reserve a
warm welcome to all visitors
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>>Language
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Arabic is the official language of Morocco and many
people speak Spanish, French and a bit less, English.
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>>Alcoholic beverages
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Alcoholic beverages are served in restaurants, bars
and hotels
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