Morocco Independence Day — 18 November
Morocco celebrates its Independence Day every year on 18 November, marking the events of 1956.
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Why 18 November?
Morocco celebrates Independence Day — Eid Al Istiqlal — on 18 November, commemorating the 1956 end of the French protectorate and the return of Sultan Mohammed V, who had been exiled by the colonial authorities in 1953. His return in 1955 and the negotiations that followed restored full sovereignty to the kingdom, one of the oldest continuously reigning monarchies in the world; the date also coincides with the sultan's traditional accession celebration. The deep-red flag — red having been the colour of the ruling Alaouite dynasty for centuries — bears a green interlaced pentagram known as the Seal of Solomon, added in 1915; its five points are associated with the five pillars of Islam. Independence Day is a national public holiday marked by a royal address, ceremonies honouring the independence generation, and streets and buildings decked in red and green. It celebrates both the end of colonial rule and the enduring bond between the monarchy and the Moroccan people.
Learn what every colour and symbol means on the Morocco flag page.
Quick facts
- Date
- 18 November (every year)
- Official name
- Independence Day
- Commemorates
- 1956
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Morocco