Independence Day is a public holiday in Morocco, observed on November 18 yearly. The holiday marks the anniversary of Morocco's independence and commemorates the return of King Mohammed V to Morocco.
Morocco became a colony of French and Spain in 1912. In 1943, the Istiqlal Party was founded, which led most of the nationalist movements in Morocco. Being a central figure in the independence movement, Sultan Muhammad V was forced to exile in 1953, which led to more active and violent opposition to the French and Spanish protectorates.
In November 1955, Sultan Muhammad V returned to Morocco and negotiated to restore independence. Morocco gained independence from France on March 2, 1956, and Spain on April 7, 1956.
Independence Day was first celebrated on March 2, and when King Hassan II came into power in 1961, he changed the celebration day to November 18 in honor of the return of King Mohammed V in 1955.
The following is the list of Independence Day in Morocco from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | Nov 18, 2022 | Friday |
| Independence Day | Nov 18, 2023 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | Nov 18, 2024 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Nov 18, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | Nov 18, 2026 | Wednesday |
Please check more public holidays in Morocco: