Moroccan Culture

Eating & Drinking

“An enthralling food scene awaits in Morocco, where oldest nomadic culinary arts meet oriental touches from Arabic cuisine.”

Lamb, vegetables, and myriad exotic spices: This is the very heart of Moroccan food that developed into a full-fledged cuisine. If you are a vegetarian, you will be missing much of what makes Moroccan food unique. Still, there are countless dishes in which legumes replace meat. The ritual of eating is as much of a cultural concept as the food itself in Morocco. Couscous is a Friday dinner staple in every family meal all around the country. As for the aromatic Harira, it is an essential part of every iftar in Ramadan. Apart from the heart main dishes, you will find a plethora of characterful street food in the sensuous souqs and medinas. Morocco’s traditional breads are must-tries. Sweet delicacies such as semolina cakes and fried doughs are never missing from food stalls.

Locals will offer fresh mint tea almost everywhere in the cities. But for the original tea ceremony that is essential to Moroccan culture, wait till you are in the desert. Skillful Berbers present the tea on copper trays, pouring from a great height as part of the tradition. Fresh leaves are put into the glasses for extra aroma.

Alcohol has become a part of Moroccan culture only after the tourist influx. And, you will be surprised to learn that Morocco has some of the top-quality wineries in this part of the world. Thanks to cool weather from the Atlantic and the Atlas Mountains, exquisite wine grapes grow locally. Visiting a vineyard is more than rewarding. If you don’t have time, don hesitate to ask for some local wines as you dine at a restaurant.

Religion & Etiquette

Morocco is a colorful palette of different ethnicities, and the majority of them unite around one religion: Islam. Cultural events follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Etiquette and everyday life generally revolve around the five times of prayer and Islamic teachings. Moroccan people also value tradition which is heavily influenced by the history of their mainland and the landscape they dwell in. In the big cities, you will experience Berber traditions that go hand-in-hand with more recent influences of Islam. But, as you travel deep into the Moroccan land, endemic cultures will begin to unfold before your eyes. A different shade of religion awaits among the nomadic Berbers of the High Atlas and Dades Valley. And, in the extreme conditions of the deserts of Zagora, it becomes all about celebrating the earth and its offerings.

Ramadan, the holy month of Islam, is of great importance in Morocco as in the rest of the Muslim world. If you are traveling during this month, you will see Moroccan culture in full bloom. Fasting begins at dawn and ends with an incredible in the evening. Take your part in the epic iftar dinner.

Morocco may give tourists some slack when it comes to dressing codes and etiquette. Still, you might want to do your best and blend in for a comfortable stay. Simple rules include not showing too much skin, avoiding public displays of affection and drunkenness, and not insulting religious concepts. Only Muslims are welcome in most mosques, although you can always admire the architecture from the outside. Not much is expected from tourists in terms of table etiquette. Feel free to use your hands if you wish to eat like locals.