Morocco’s lifestyle and culture
Like all countries, Morocco has its traditions that, logically, must be known and respected. In this post, we tell you some of the Moroccan traditions that will surprise you and that you must consider during your trip. But there are many more: for more information, you can check this article, where we explain in detail and Provide recommendations on what to do and what to avoid during your stay.
Moroccan tea traditions
Moroccan tea tradition is a gesture of hospitality that Moroccans carry out even with strangers, such as tourists. It is drunk at all hours and a good way to combat dehydration in regions and periods of high heat.
Barefoot to enter a house in Morocco
Another tradition in Morocco is to remove your shoes when entering a house. And since the mosque is the house of God, you should also do the same when entering one of these prayer temples if non-Muslims are allowed to enter.
Ramadan fasting in Morocco
One of the many traditions in Morocco and other Muslim countries is Ramadan. If your trip coincides with this fasting period, you don’t have to follow it to the letter, but you should at least respect it as much as possible: don’t eat in public places or in front of other people’s eyes.
Eating with the right hand
Another custom to remember when traveling in Morocco is eating with the right hand. The left hand is considered ‘impure’, and used for intimate hygiene.
Moroccan greetings
You will also have to use your right hand for greetings. It will always be done with a light handshake between people of different sexes. Kissing is reserved only for greetings between Moroccan men, who can also walk hand in hand simply as a sign of friendship. Kissing as a greeting between men and women is only done when they are very confident with each other. And don’t be surprised if you are asked about your family: it is customary to ask about your health and that of your family at the time of greeting.
Alcohol
There are not many restaurants that sell alcohol, which demonstrates its low consumption in the country. If you feel like having a beer, always do it in bars where it is allowed, never in the street. It is also frowned upon if a person shows signs of having had one drink too many.
Haggling in Morocco
One of the things that may strike you when traveling in Morocco is the custom of haggling. So much so that some merchants may be offended if the customer accepts the price the first time. In fact, in many stores, the items do not show the price precisely because the figure is still to be closed between seller and buyer.
Family as a social institution
Moroccans are very family-oriented and all members play a very important role. Especially the elderly, who consistently receive the utmost respect and care. In addition, the opinion of elderly women is often the most respected in the family.
What are some traditional Moroccan foods?
Traditional Moroccan foods include couscous, tagine, harira, bastille, and pastilla.
What is a traditional Moroccan dress?
The traditional Moroccan dress is called a djellaba, a long, loose, hooded robe worn by both men and women.
What is a traditional Moroccan wedding like?
Traditional Moroccan weddings are often multi-day celebrations involving music, dancing, and feasting. The bride typically wears a caftan, a long, ornate dress, while the groom wears a traditional djellaba.
What are some traditional Moroccan crafts?
Traditional Moroccan crafts include weaving, pottery, metalwork, embroidery, and leatherwork.
What is a traditional Moroccan hammam?
A traditional Moroccan hammam is a communal bathhouse where people go to cleanse themselves and relax. It typically involves a series of steam rooms, hot pools, and cold pools.
What are some traditional Moroccan holidays?
Traditional Moroccan holidays include Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which celebrates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
What is traditional Moroccan music like?
Traditional Moroccan music is characterized by its use of instruments such as the oud, the guembri, and the qraqeb. It often features complex rhythms and intricate melodies.
What is the traditional Moroccan tea ceremony?
The traditional Moroccan tea ceremony involves brewing green tea with mint and serving it in small glasses to guests.
What are some traditional Moroccan games?
Traditional Moroccan games include chess, draughts, mancala, and traditional sports such as horse racing and camel wrestling.
What is the traditional Moroccan henna ceremony?
The traditional Moroccan henna ceremony involves applying henna designs to the skin, often in intricate patterns, as a celebration and decoration.
