Are you seeking an alternative to traditional New Year’s parties? Searching for a New Year’s adventure that is exotic and rewarding? If so, welcome to Morocco.
Many people find themselves uncertain about where to spend an important night, such as Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Morocco. They often settle for mundane house parties or noisy bars. Celebrate with flair, however, at New Year’s in Morocco, an incredible occasion that seamlessly blends culture and festivity!
Regardless of where you find yourself in Morocco, from bustling cities to peaceful deserts, you will find a unique destination to enjoy this occasion. Experience the wonder of being underneath illuminated ancient city walls while watching New Year’s fireworks in the dead of winter. Dance in a busy square during the countdown to a local song as the crowd erupts into an unfamiliar chant. Or experience the thrilling tranquility of camping under the stars in the Sahara.
The best possible place to spend New Year’s in Morocco depends on the type of experience you desire. Marrakech has street parties, Casablanca hotels host gala events, while lower key regions like Chefchaouen are also appropriate. Whatever the destination, a New Year’s Eve celebration in Morocco will be an event you will always remember fondly. You will initiate the year with memories and experience, as opposed, to sameness and routine.
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Moroccan New Year Traditions
Moroccan people celebrate New Year’s Eve with a combination of local customs or festivities and modern party-style gatherings. Many people enjoy both the traditional style of celebration along with the Western-style celebration.
In the cities, one will see fireworks and hear music in the streets. Restaurants and hotels have special dinners and dances catering to the celebrations. In addition to the usual sights and sounds, there are a few Moroccan specific acknowledgements.
One popular custom involves eating grapes at midnight. Several Moroccans eat 12 grapes, one grape for each chime of the clock, and hopefully, this brings good luck for each month of the year. Others place candles or lanterns in their windows to welcome the New Year, representing light and hope in their life.
In rural settings, some communities follow the Amazigh (Berber) calendar and celebrate Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, which is celebrated in mid-January.
For many Moroccans, New Year’s Eve is a family experience. Families will gather for a big meal and stay up late together. These gatherings strengthen family bonds. They’re a chance to reflect on the past year and share hopes for the future. The meal often includes special dishes. Chicken or lamb tagine is common. For dessert, many families enjoy traditional pastries like sellou or chebakia.
When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll hear shouts of “Sana Saida!” This means “Happy New Year” in Moroccan Darija.
Lastly, while not all claim to follow all the customs, it is still highlights to refer to as significant, as some believe if they perform a certain action on New Year’s Eve in Morocco, they may post-haste into their fate. An example, some people choose not to cry or get angry, as this may signify the year they will have a lot to cry about or maybe carry a reputation as being known for anger.
Other people strictly make sure they wear new clothes or do a full house cleaning signifying a “new year”, or “start anew” by resolving to clean their environments or aesthetics. While not everyone follows these customs, they add a unique flavour to Morocco’s New Year celebrations.
New Year’s Eve in Morocco Major Cities
New Year’s Eve in Marrakech
Marrakech pulses with life on New Year’s Eve. The city blends old and new festivities. Djemaa el-Fna, the central plaza swarms with crowds and tunes. Street acts and food vendors boost the holiday spirit.
Numerous Marrakech hotels throw fancy dinners with live tunes and dancing. The renowned La Mamounia Hotel hosts a posh bash every year. To chill out, check out rooftop spots like Nomad or Café des Épices. They provide stellar city views.
As the clock strikes twelve, fireworks paint Marrakech’s sky. Rooftop decks or open areas make the best viewing spots. Some hotels launch their own fireworks. The Four Seasons often puts on a dazzling show.
Many Riads in Marrakech hold cozy New Year’s gatherings. These give a more personal feel than big hotel events. Riad parties include a special meal live music, and a chance to chat with fellow guests.
New Year’s Eve in Casablanca
Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest city, gives you many ways to ring in the New Year. The city’s beaches buzz with activity on New Year’s Eve. Ain Diab beach throws parties with DJs and bonfires. Some beach clubs put on special events. These often include dinner, drinks, and dancing till sunrise.
Casablanca’s nightclubs pull out all the stops for New Year’s Eve. Many have special deals with unlimited drinks and live shows. Hot spots include B Rock, Brass, and Le Cabestan. Make sure to book, as these places get packed.
If you have kids, the Morocco Mall has events for families. These might have games, shows, and fireworks earlier in the evening. Some restaurants serve special family meals. This lets parents and kids celebrate as a group.
New Year’s Eve in Fez
Fez gives visitors a chance to experience a more traditional New Year’s celebration, highlighting culture and history. On New Year’s Eve, the old medina of Fez buzzes with activity. Music fills the streets, along with the aroma of holiday dishes.
Some residents invite guests into their homes to share meals and traditions. Fez hosts traditional Andalusian music concerts on New Year’s Eve. These events showcase the city’s deep cultural roots. Art galleries and cultural centres might put on special exhibits or shows.
Many riads in Fes offer special New Year’s deals. These often include traditional dinners, music, and sometimes Moroccan henna application. Celebrating in a riad allows you to experience the holiday as locals do. You’ll stay in the centre of the old city surrounded by history.
Moroccan New Year’s Eve Cuisine
Food is an enormous thing in Moroccan New Year celebrations. The event of the New Year is fêted over special feasts that families and friends share. Many Moroccans serve couscous on New Year’s Eve. This staple dish symbolizes good fortune and abundance for the coming year.
Another common dish is Rfissa: crepes, shredded, then cooked with chicken and lentils. Rfissa is prepared to symbolize the layers of the past year harmoniously coming together. Perhaps some families roast a whole lamb. This illustrates the levels of generosity and hospitality that are integral aspects of Moroccan culture.
A big number of Moroccan gatherings, for whatever occasion they are held, feature a tagine. Special versions are cooked up for New Year’s celebrations. One favourite is a festive chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons. The bright flavours symbolize hope for the New Year. Another popular choice is sweet-savory lamb tagine with prunes and almonds. The mix of flavours is symbolic of the balance people wish to find in life.
No Moroccan celebration would be complete without sweets. Many families prepare platters of traditional pastries. They also offer sellou, a sweet paste made from toasted flour, almonds, and sesame seeds. It is believed to bring strength and energy. Another favourite is chebakia — honey coated pastry. Its flower shape symbolizes blossoming hopes for the new year. Some families even serve sliced oranges doused with cinnamon. This taste-cleansing, refreshing-light dessert completes an opulent meal.
Mint tea is the national drink of Morocco, and it runs through the New Year’s celebrations. With its aromatic, fresh flavour, mint tea is an indication of the friendly and hospitable treatment of the guests. Sometimes, orange blossom water is added to this beverage to make it extra special for the New Year’s Day celebrations.
While alcohol isn’t common in most Moroccan households, some of the New Year’s parties serve local wines or cocktails. The most popular non-alcoholic is Raib, a kind of buttermilk. It refreshes and helps to digest those rich holiday foods. Some people will also make special New Year smoothies that are made primarily from dates, milk, and bananas so their New Year starts sweet.
Planning Your Moroccan New Year’s Eve
Plan well for a New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Here’s what you should know.
Weather Factor and What to Dress
The weather is tricky in Morocco in December and January. Thus, pack layers to adapt to temperature changes. Bring a warm jacket or sweater for evenings. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking on uneven streets. Moroccans certainly love parties. If you wish to participate in any formals, pack some nice clothes for the occasion. Remember, it’s a Muslim country so try not to wear too revealing clothes to respect the locals’ traditions.
Book accommodation and events in advance
New Year’s Eve is pretty hectic in Morocco. To get the best options, make sure you have booked your hotel or riad as soon as possible. Many hotels and restaurants have special packages for the New Year celebration. Sometimes this includes dinner, entertainment, and lodging. Make reservations for these packages ahead of time. They may sell out for a number of weeks or even months ahead. If there is a particular event you want to attend, purchase tickets early. Popular parties and concerts quickly reach capacity.
Budget vs. Luxury Morocco New Year’s Celebrations
The best budget and luxury New Year’s events take place in Morocco:
Budget options:
- Party in the streets of the city centre
- Dinner in a very simple, local restaurant
- Overnight in a modest riad or small hotel
- Public fireworks
Mid-range options:
- Reservation in a mid-level hotel on a New Year package
- Good restaurant table for dinner with entertainment
- Camel ride into the desert and back during sunset
- Party in a beach club
Luxury options:
- Stay in a five-star or luxury riad on a New Year’s Gala with live entertainment
- Private New Year’s Eve desert camp setup
- One day at the spa before the long night
Remember, prices often raise for New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Be better able to plan your budget. Any option you choose can be booked well in advance, as it allows for getting what one really wants and, very often, at a good price. Plan it with some foresight and you can do an amazing Moroccan New Year’s Eve according to your style and budget.
Unique New Year’s Eve Experiences in Morocco
Morocco proposes some very extraordinary ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Here are a few of them:
The endless desert party under the stars
For a memorable New Year, head to the Sahara Desert. Most touring companies will propose special desert packages. You’ll ride camels into the dunes and stay in a luxury camp, with the evening sky full of glowing stars as you enjoy a traditional Berber meal. At midnight, fireworks light up the huge sky of the desert. In many camps, live music and dancing also take place. The serene and beautiful landscape of the desert makes an enchanting start to the New Year. It is a time to think over the past and rejuvenate.
Mountain retreats in the Atlas
The Atlas Mountains offer a quiet retreat for those wanting to get away from the chaos of urban revelries. Many mountain lodges provide New Year’s packages. These often include such activities as hikes, spa treatments, and special dinners. You might celebrate in a cosy lodge with a roaring fire or join a mountaintop party with stunning views. Some retreats offer yoga and meditation sessions—an excellent way to set intentions for the new year. The crisp mountain air and beautiful scenery create a refreshing start to the year.
Beach parties in coastal cities like Agadir or Essaouira
The Moroccan cities that run along the coast bring a cocktail of beach vibes and cultural charm. In Agadir, be part of gala dinners and beach parties that stretch into the sunset of the following day. In Essaouira, it’s more of a laid-back celebration. This artistic city is constantly filled with the sounds of music. You might find yourself at a beachside concert or a medina party.
Both cities’ New Year’s dinners include fresh seafood feasts, with local specialities and the backdrop of a setting sun over the Atlantic. Some hotels organize boat parties, where you can celebrate on the water while watching coastal fireworks. The coastal celebrations couple Moroccan traditions with a beach holiday vibe—it’s truly special to spend it this way.
Whether it is in the desert, the mountains, or along the coast, Morocco offers New Year’s experiences not easily forgotten. Each one presents a different view of this diverse country.
Combining New Year’s Eve with Moroccan Travel
New Year’s Eve in Morocco can be the highlight of a longer Moroccan trip. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Popular tourist attractions open during the holiday
Most major attractions stay open during the New Year period. This lets you explore before or after the celebrations. In Marrakech, visit the famous Jardin Majorelle or the Bahia Palace. These offer a pleasant respite from the busy streets. The medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is always accessible. Wander through its medieval alleyways and discover millennia-old madrasas. In Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is also accessible most days to visitors. Its expanse and beauty are impressive throughout the year. Several museums have set regular opening hours for the period. Check in their websites beforehand.
What to Do and Recover the Next Day
After a big night out, you’ll probably want January 1st to be a quiet day. Many riads have late breakfasts on New Year’s Day. Start your day with a late morning, Moroccan pancakes, and mint tea. If you are really into relaxation, then go to a hammam, a traditional bathhouse. The steam and scrubs will invigorate you. Many people may love taking a quiet day at the gardens of Menara or Agdal in Marrakech. For those with more stamina, most shops and cafes are open on January 1st. It’s a great day for casual shopping or people-watching.
Longer holiday itineraries
Turn a New Year break into a longer Moroccan adventure. Start in Casablanca and go to Fez to see its historic medina. Celebrate New Year’s in Marrakech, then after the holiday, spend a few days visiting the Sahara. Many tours begin in Marrakech. Or, ring in New Year’s at Marrakech and continue the celebration with a couple of beach days at Essaouira. Finish the trip in the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen.
Those who are fond of mountains can find the best New Year parties clubbed with trekking in the nearby Atlas Mountains of Marrakech. If you have two weeks, you could do the imperial cities tour, celebrate New Year’s, then relax on the coast. Remember that January is still tourist season in Morocco. Book your extended holiday early so you can have the best choices.
Fuse New Year’s Eve with more travelling and experience the different aspects of Morocco. You will surely start the year with some of the wealthiest experiences and memories you could ever have.
New Year’s Eve in Morocco would be an experience hard to forget, for it is there that the new experience and view of things will start. You’ll meet friendly people, try delicious food, and see wonderful sights. And if excitement or relaxation is what you’re after, then Morocco has it. It’s a combination of old tradition and modernity in the country. You feel the weight of history and the energy of the present. Don’t let another Eve of New Year go the same way again. Morocco awaits your arrival to lend an awesome beginning to your year.
