Moroccan Weddings

Every bride is beautiful on her wedding day, but in Morocco, she gets to be a queen, too!
The Celebration

Before the wedding, a team of chefs arrives to prepare the meals, and the family employs group of women who devote themselves to making the bride look her best. They dress her in a traditional Moroccan wedding gown of brightly colored silk, overlaid by a sheer gown embroidered with gold thread. Jewels are arranged to cascade around her face, and makeup highlights her eyes.

In the late afternoon or early evening, simultaneous parties are held at the home of the bride and the groom. The two families and their guests celebrate well into the night with a feast, music and dancing. Sometime after midnight, the groom leaves his home and proceeds to the home of the bride. He is accompanied by his guests, as they sing, beat drums and dance (or honk their car horns) on their way to the bride's house. Upon his arrival, the bride is seated on a circular cushion and hoisted onto the shoulders of the crowd. At the same time, the groom is also lifted into the air, and they are paraded among their guests in royal style.

Later, the bride changes into a traditional outfit that reflects her family's region of Morocco, and the party continues. Around dawn, the bride changes her outfit again, and the couple leave the party. Up until about 30 years ago, they would retire to a special room to consummate the marriage, and afterward, the guests would examine the bedclothes for blood as evidence that the bride was a virgin. Today, however, the newlyweds are afforded more privacy and get to "disappear" for a while - generally going to a hotel - and are no longer expected to display their sheets for the guests.

"The couple leaving the party indicates the detachment of the nuclear family from the homes of the parents," Marrakchi explains.

No matter how many people the family invites to the wedding, they always expect more, as it is not unusual for guest to bring guests, who are also welcome at the festivities. Parties and feasting continue throughout the week, as the couple visit friends and relatives, display their gifts, and get settled in their new home.

Moroccan Wedding Customs
The Berber Wedding Fair - High in the rugged Atlas Mountains of Morocco, rural Berber tribespeople celebrate an annual wedding fair. The Imilchil fair, or moussem, commemorates the ancient, yet tragically familiar story of a son and daughter of warring tribes who, forbidden to marry, chose suicide rather than be parted from one another. Heartsick tribal elders vowed from then on to permit their children to choose their own spouses, and the moussem evolved into a place for members of the isolated communities to meet each other and to marry. Today, young women arrive at the fair dressed to wed in a white dress covered by a traditional striped woolen cape in tribal colors. Young men roam the crowd, looking for suitable wives, and a woman, if chosen, has the right to accept or refuse. However, a quick decision is expected, and at the end of the fair, a mass wedding is performed. While some of the couples may have just met, most have a passing acquaintance with one another but follow tradition by marrying during the fair.

The Henna Party - Before the wedding celebration, the bride has a henna party with her female relatives and closest women friends. Henna has been used in Morocco for centuries to create intricate decorative designs that are applied to the palms and feet of the bride and her guests. The geometric and floral designs have a number of meanings, including protecting against evil spirits, bringing good luck and increasing fertility.


"For the bride, the wedding is like a coronation. She is dressed and treated just like a queen," explains Mohammed Marrakchi, director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office in New York, N.Y. The days when most Moroccan marriages were arranged belong to the past, Marrakchi says. Today's young people choose their own partners, and while the parents may have veto power, they often accept their child's choice, recognizing that times have changed. "Morocco is evolving from a traditional patriarchal family to a nuclear family," Marrakchi observes. "But children still pay homage to tradition and will ask the parents to bless the marriage." A Moroccan wedding celebration marks the joining together of two families, as well as the establishment of a new family. Marriage is considered the most important decision a man and woman can make, and the wedding is an elaborate affair that can last from three to seven days.

Moroccan Traditions Thousands of years

Mention Morocco, and many people's thoughts immediately turn to Casablanca: Its crowded streets and markets, the palm trees swaying in the breeze, Sam sitting at the keyboard in Rick's Café. Those images come from the classic 1942 movie of the same name, of course, and aren't necessarily reflective of Casablanca, or Morocco, today. In fact, while people have long been fascinated by this compact country sitting atop northwestern Africa, most don't know much about its history or traditions.

Thousands of years ago, the land now known as Morocco was occupied by the Berbers, an indigenous people spread across northern Africa. Although various groups of people passed through the land over time, such as the Carthaginians and Romans, no one stayed too long until the Muslims arrived during the Arab invasion in the 7th century. From that point on, the land became home to both Arabs and Berbers, who frequently battled for control. More recently, the region was colonized by the French, who brought their language to its shores. Finally, in 1956, it became the independent country of Morocco [source: Morocco].



So who, exactly, are the Moroccans today? Well, 99 percent are Sunni Muslims, whether they're of Berber or Arab descent [source: Every Culture]. But religion aside, Moroccans are considered a warm, welcoming people who go out of their way to be generous to others. "Feed your guests, even if you are starving," is a famous Moroccan proverb, for example, and it's not unusual to be invited to someone's home for a meal. (And if you are, it's likely to be unforgettable, as Moroccan food is deemed top-notch.)

While visitors don't forget the people of Morocco, they're also typically wowed by its towns. Moroccan cities are distinguished by their thriving souks, or open-air markets, and their architecture and design, which feature geometric patterns, Islamic calligraphy and bold colors. The country's most famous cities, furthermore, are known the world over: Casablanca, of course, but also Rabat, the capital; Fez, one of Islam's holiest cities; and Marrakech, home to Morocco's largest souk. But movie references and shopping aren't the only draws of this coastal country. Some people come simply to sample the local flavor.

Dressed to Impress: Moroccan Clothing and Style

Modest dress is the norm here, as Morocco is an Islamic country. But it's a progressive Islamic country, so there's a certain amount of latitude in what people wear as well, though dress is definitely more conservative in rural areas than it is in the cities [source: Hey Morocco]. Traditional women's dress generally consists of a djellaba (a long, loose robe), a button-down blouse called a kaftan and a headscarf. Modern women may don more form-fitting, shorter djellabas, and/or pair them with jeans, and some don't wear headscarves. Footwear is a babouche, or leather slipper without a heel. Women's babouches come in a wide variety of colors and decorations. High-heeled sandals are another popular choice.

Interestingly, while Western wear was increasingly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and more and more Moroccan women were foregoing headscarves, today Moroccan women are embracing the headscarf as a way to symbolize their pride in being Muslim, much as Muslims in other Islamic countries are doing. But this doesn't mean they're becoming more conservative overall in their dress. The headscarves are viewed as a fun, decorative accessory, and come in many pretty colors and patterns. Furthermore, young women in particular often pair their headscarves with Western attire such as tight jeans, sexy tops and designer shades [source: Vagabond Journey].



Men have more latitude in their dress. It doesn't matter much whether they wear Western attire or traditional Moroccan garb -- jeans, for example, vs. a traditional djallaba, which is worn by both sexes -- instead, it's the quality of their clothing that takes priority. Generally speaking, of course, Moroccan men are image-conscious to a fault, and take a lot of time primping before they go out. Their clothes must always be clean, neatly pressed and the best quality they can afford. Wealthier men, in fact, often have their clothing hand-tailored from fine fabrics. (But not from silk, which is considered too effeminate for men.) Moroccan men generally wear polished shoes or babouches, depending on whether they're wearing Western clothing or traditional Moroccan outfits, but they rarely wear sandals, and always have neatly trimmed hair. Beards today are associated with fundamentalist Muslims, so most Moroccan men usually don't have them, although moustaches and goatees are fine. The kaftans and felt caps called fezzes that were once standard attire for males are today worn mostly by older men [source: Costa Sur].

With all of that Moroccan coastline to enjoy, what about beach attire? Moroccans are allowed to wear swimsuits at the beach, but only reveal them once they've arrived.

Natives of Morocco may be relatively conservative in terms of clothing style, but when it comes to architecture, they pull out all the stops.

Moroccan Clothing For Women

Packing for conservative countries, like Morocco, can be tricky—especially when the weather is warm. While it’s good to stay covered, it’s also essential to stay cool. Local women dress conservatively, but you’ll see a wide range of styles on the streets of this ultra-popular tourist destination.




Women in tourist areas wear everything from bikini tops to burkas. I highly recommend finding some middle ground, respecting local culture, and dressing conservatively in Morocco. Street harassment is common, and, like it or not, the amount of attention and respect that you get will depend on what you wear. Want to look and feel amazing on your adventure?




Here’s what to wear in Morocco as a female traveler!
And don’t miss my Morocco Packing Guide either!



Clothing Tips for Morocco
Dress for the Weather
In the winter, you’ll find temperature from forty to seventy, and in the hottest months of summer, days range from seventy to over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. At any time of the year, bring warm layers for the evening.







Bring Practical Shoes
Closed-toe and comfortable shoes are must-haves for long days of exploring. It’s also handy to have flip-flops for when you want to run around the riad or campgrounds.

Think Loose and Flowy
All things lightweight and full coverage is ideal — loose trousers or maxi skirts are perfect. A tunic shirt with leggings or a full kaftan is perfect too. Not only does full coverage allow you to dress conservatively in Morocco, but it will also protect you from the sun.





Wear a Scarf
Whatever you wear, have a lightweight scarf with you. You can use is to cover up before going into a mosque or just keep the sun off your skin when you’re overheating. Moroccan scarves are also gorgeous souvenirs. You’ll find them in pretty much any city or town, so you don’t need to bring your own if you don’t want to.

Use Sun Protection
The sun in Morocco can be intense throughout the year. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.




 Interestingly, while Western wear was increasingly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and more and more Moroccan women were foregoing headscarves, today Moroccan women are embracing the headscarf as a way to symbolize their pride in being Muslim, much as Muslims in other Islamic countries are doing. But this doesn't mean they're becoming more conservative overall in their dress. The headscarves are viewed as a fun, decorative accessory, and come in many pretty colors and patterns. Furthermore, young women in particular often pair their headscarves with Western attire such as tight jeans, sexy tops and designer shades [source: Vagabond Journey].

Nora Fatehi is royalty personified on a magazine cover—See inside

The caption is, “Im so excited to share with you my first ever Moroccan magazine cover wearing a traditional beautiful caftan @femmesdumaroc_officiel
New Delhi: The beautiful Nora Fatehi, who became a sensation on the internet after her killer dance moves from the song 'Dilbar' went viral, is a regular social media user. She often posts on Instagram and has over four million followers on the app, leaving fans awe-struck with her glamorous looks.

The actress's latest Instagram post will make your jaw drop! She appears on the cover of a Moroccan magazine and looks like sheer royalty in a deep green caftan.
Noriana taking regal boss vibes to another level! Slayyyinggg Thanks to the team for this epic shoot! I feel beautiful wearing moroccan traditional caftan@sajidphotography @abdelkebdani @marcepedrozo @amine_el_hannaoui @zinebtaimouri”

On the work front, Nora will be seen in 'Bharat' that releases on June 5. The film has Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles with ace actors like Sunil Grover, Tabu, Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff and Disha Patani playing important roles.

Nora is also a part of Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor starrer 'Street Dancer 3D'.

The Chellah

These walled ruins on a site originally settled by the Phoenicians and then controlled by the Romans beginning in A.D. 40, are Rabat’s oldest site. Beautiful enscripted marble pillars and the remains of the Roman forum can still be seen today.

The city became a hub for Christianity in the 2nd century, and although the Romans withdrew in the 5th century it remained a city of Christian Imazighen (Berbers) until they surrendered to Arab Muslims in the 7th century. In 1174, the Almohad Caliphate began turning the site into a necropolis to bury their royals. A minaret was built in 1284 and still stands today, along with much of the necropolis.

In the green gardens behind the ancient tombs, you will see the charming site of a woman surrounded by the dozen of cats she cares for. There is also an eel pond filled with coins at the bottom, where women traditionally go to wish for fertility.

4 Historical Sites Worth Seeing in Rabat

If one wants to escape the bustle and crowds in Marrakech or Fez, Rabat is the perfect place and has no shortage of attractions worth visiting. Its location also makes it a perfect stop for a night between Casablanca and Fez.

Oudaya in Rabat
The winding blue streets of the Oudaya. Credit: Instagram at @ojrobert
 Juliette Owen-JonesBy Juliette Owen-Jones -
Juliette Owen-Jones is a journalist and editor at Morocco World News.
May 12, 2019
Rabat – Although Rabat is the political and administrative hub of Morocco, it is often overlooked by tourists and forgotten from itineraries. However, if one wants to escape the bustle and crowds in Marrakech or Fez, Rabat is the perfect place and has no shortage of attractions worth visiting. Its location also makes it a perfect stop for a night between Casablanca and Fez.

Hassan Tower

A close of up of Hassan tower. Photo credit: Instagram @ojrobert
Hassan Tower (Tour de Hassan) is one of the oldest historical monuments Rabat has to offer. Construction of the mosque began in 1195, after being commissioned by Yaqub al-Mansur, the third caliph of the Almohad Caliphate. He dreamed of the mosque being the largest in the world with the tallest minaret. However, when al-Mansur died 4 years later in 1199, his dream died with him and construction came to a halt.

Although the tower only reached half of its intended height at 40 meters, it is incredibly well preserved and is still a beautiful sight to see 820 years later. The 200 unfinished columns are also striking.



     2.  Mohammed V Mausoleum


The Mohammed V Mausoleum. Photo credit: Instagram @ojrobert
Directly next to Hassan Tower, this mausoleum contains the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. The mausoleum took approximately 400 men and almost a decade to build before it was finished in 1971. Its white floors and walls are made from granite and marble, and the roof is tiled in a distinctive green, the color of Islam. The tombs themselves are carved from white onyx.

The sheer craftsmanship and historical significance make this site a must-see.

 Kasbah of the Oudaias

The winding blue streets of the Oudaya. Credit: Instagram at @ojrobert
This kasbah dates back to the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century and is still well preserved. The ancient kasbah gets its name from an Arab tribe, the Oudayas, hired by Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur to defend its wall and build more fortifications.

Having been home to many groups of peoples who all left their mark on the suburb, the history of this neighborhood is deep and fascinating. For example, the winding steps from the kasbah down to the shore were added in the 17th century by Muslims fleeing Catholic Spain, who also gave the nearby Andalusian garden its name.

The winding blue and white streets of this neighborhood leading to ocean views make it a beautiful place to spend the day meandering. Inside the kasbah, one can find Rabat’s oldest mosque, built in the 10th century and restored by an English pirate in the 18th, although it is not open to non-Muslim tourists.

The lush Andalusian garden is filled with well-fed cats and a Moorish cafe overlooking the Bouregreg river that serves traditional Moroccan cakes and mint tea.