Green March Day in Morocco commemorates the 1975 peaceful mass demonstration in which 350,000 Moroccans marched into the Sahara to affirm Morocco's sovereignty, symbolizing unity, patriotism, and national determination.

When is Green March Day?

Green March Day in Morocco is observed on November 6 every year.

The following is the list of Green March Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Green March Day?

During the early 20th century, Morocco was divided between French and Spanish control under the Treaty of Fez (1912). The southern region, known as Spanish Sahara, remained under Spanish rule long after Morocco gained independence from France in 1956. For decades, Morocco sought to regain sovereignty over its southern provinces, which it viewed as historically and culturally part of the Moroccan kingdom.

In 1975, Morocco brought its case for the Sahara before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. On October 16, 1975, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion acknowledging that historical ties of allegiance existed between the Saharan tribes and the Moroccan sultan, while also affirming the right of the people of the territory to self-determination.

Following this decision, King Hassan II launched a peaceful initiative to reclaim the land without military confrontation.

On November 6, 1975, King Hassan II called on 350,000 unarmed Moroccan volunteers to march into the Sahara carrying Qur'ans, Moroccan flags, and olive branches, symbolizing peace and faith. The marchers crossed the border into the then Spanish-controlled territory without violence, demanding the withdrawal of Spanish forces.

The event became known as the Green March, representing unity, patriotism and nonviolent resistance.

The Green March exerted strong diplomatic pressure on Spain, leading to the Madrid Accords signed on November 14, 1975. Under this agreement, Spain agreed to withdraw from the territory and transfer administrative control to Morocco and Mauritania. This event marked a turning point in Morocco's modern history, completing much of its territorial reunification.

Green March Day became a national holiday, observed every year on November 6. It celebrates the spirit of national unity, solidarity and peaceful determination that characterized the march.