Traveling to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. One of the most common concerns among travelers is the fear of accidentally offending the locals. This is especially true when traveling to a country with a culture that may be very different from what we are used to. In Morocco, a country with a rich history and a unique blend of cultures, it’s important to be mindful of local customs and traditions. That being said, there are certain cultural norms and practices in Morocco that it’s helpful to be aware of.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of common faux pas that travelers to Morocco should try to avoid. Understanding the cultural landscape is the first step to a fulfilling and safe journey in Morocco. As a predominantly Islamic country, Morocco has a set of social norms and expectations that can be quite different from Western cultures. For women travellers, this means a heightened awareness of dress code and behaviour is often necessary.
The Islamic culture deeply influences daily life, including the roles and expectations of women. While Morocco is considered one of the more liberal countries in the Arab world, it’s still conservative by Western standards. For instance, public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially for women. During the holy month of Ramadan, these norms are even more strictly observed.
Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, a vibrant cultural hub. Source: Wikipedia
Understanding Public Displays of Affection (PDA) in Morocco
Men and women generally do not show public displays of affection in Morocco. Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally not acceptable in Morocco. While it is perfectly fine to hold hands in public, or share a quick hug or a kiss, anything beyond that is not considered appropriate. This is particularly true in rural areas where people tend to be more conservative.
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Even in the cities, it is advisable to avoid making out or touching each other in a way that could make others uncomfortable. Moroccans are very loving - in private. It’s very uncommon and frowned upon to show a lot of affection in public. Holding hands in Morocco is fine. A hug here or there, and a stolen kiss are all fine in most situations. But, making out in public - is absolutely not ok. You’ll certainly get some clicking tongues and sideways looks. The same can be said for hands wandering anywhere on each other’s bodies.
The more rural you are the more frowned on public displays of affection are. While you might feel tempted to show your love for your partner, doing so in public in Morocco can lead to disapproving looks and even negative reactions from locals. It’s always best to be respectful of local customs and traditions, even if they differ from your own.
Personal Experiences and Observations
I am not a woman who overtly shows affection. In fact, I can be rather aloof and somewhat cool in public. However, I also can be playful as a non-Muslim Western woman. So when my chatty, silly spouse said something outrageous, I slapped his ass in public. The thought never crossed my mind that I shouldn’t do that - I just did it.
And once his ass was swatted, I immediately knew I shouldn’t have done that out of respect for the people in the country to which I was but a visitor. Nothing happened after the slap. I looked around in the market where we were. No one pointed at me; no one called for the PDA police. I felt a bit embarrassed, and I resolved to keep a better handle on my wandering hand. Out of respect for the religion and customs here, I will continue to keep a mindful eye over my hand so it doesn’t connect to my husband’s backside in public for the duration of our visit.
Cultural Nuances and Considerations
Often times what might WE might think offends locals is actually not offensive at all. Truthfully very few Moroccan people would ever say anything or act offended if you made a slip. In Morocco it’s really normal for two male friends to hold hands or two women friends to do the same. It has zero meaning sexually. It’s really just a sign of friendship.
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It’s important to realize that Morocco is a large country with over 30 million people. What is and isn’t ok will vary a lot depending on where you are and the company you are with. Cities vs Rural Areas The general attitude towards women varies across regions. In cosmopolitan cities like when you visit Marrakech or Casablanca, you’ll find a more relaxed approach, especially in tourist-heavy areas. However, traditional views are more prevalent in rural areas like the villages in the Atlas Mountains. It’s not uncommon for women to receive more attention, both wanted and unwanted, so it’s essential to be cautious and respectful of local customs.
Navigating the Moroccan Dress Code: A woman's guide to blending in while traveling in Morocco. Source: Skyhook
Laws and Regulations
Yes, there are. Morocco has laws relating to those things that are, “an act of aggression against Moroccan Muslim society and people” - kissing in public falls into this category. With that being said these laws are rarely enforced, and when they are it is typically only between Moroccan couples, not foreigners. If you are a foreign couple visiting and you kiss no one is likely going to say anything to you - kissing in Morocco is not illegal. While you might not get in trouble, it is highly frowned on to kiss or fondle each other in public.
Under this same category of laws there are rules and cultural norms surrounding other aspects of decency. It is categorically illegal for non-married couples (where one partner is Moroccan) to share a hotel room, apartment, or any other rooming situation. For mixed Moroccan - Foreign couples you will be asked to present your marriage certificate when you check into a hotel or any other room situation. These places are required to provide this information to the police on a regular basis. They face very steep fines if they rent to unmarried couples.
Tips for Travelers
When traveling to Morocco, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. The country has a rich cultural heritage and traditions that shape its social interactions.
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- Dress Modestly: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals. Opt for clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and chest.
- Respect Ramadan: If you visit during the holy month of Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting by refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. It is also advisable to dress more conservatively during this time.
- Display Public Affection: Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are considered inappropriate in Moroccan culture. It's best to keep physical affection for private settings and show respect for local customs.
Case Study: The #Freebousa Movement
Three Moroccan teens, a 15-year-old and 14-year-old couple and their 15-year-old photographer, were arrested on October 3, 2013, for violating public decency by kissing in public. Protesters took to the streets in support of the couple, staging a public kiss-in and sharing images similar to those that resulted in the original arrests, in addition to holding a sit-in outside of the facility where the three young persons were being detained. They also launched a campaign on social media to post a million copycat photos and use the hashtag #Freebousa, which means “free kiss” in Arabic, in protest of the arrest of the young couple.
Following the social pressure, the teens were released on bail but the original post was completely removed from social media. For many of the protesters, this shows that Morocco, a country often regarded as one of the most liberal in the Muslim world, is still deeply conservative at its core.
| Aspect | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Public Affection | Holding hands | Kissing, hugging, or fondling in public |
| Dress Code | Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees | Wear revealing clothing or see-through items |
| Ramadan | Be respectful of those fasting | Eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours |
| Photography | Ask for permission before taking photos | Take photos of police officers, military personnel, or palaces |
By following these do's and don'ts, you can demonstrate cultural sensitivity and enhance your experience in Morocco.
TBH with Vitra | Travel Beyond Home to Morocco, 004
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