Morocco Independence Day (November 18): History & Celebrations

Morocco Independence Day (Eid al-Istiqlal, عيد الاستقلال) is celebrated every year on November 18. It honours the moment in 1955 when Sultan Mohammed V, newly returned from exile, announced the end of the French protectorate and the beginning of a free, independent Morocco. It is one of the kingdom’s most important national holidays.

Key Facts

Date	November 18 every year
Arabic name	Eid al-Istiqlal (عيد الاستقلال)
Commemorates	Return of Mohammed V and the announced end of the protectorate (1955)
Formal independence from France	March 2, 1956
Spanish zone ended	April 7, 1956
Holiday type	National public holiday
Related holidays	Aug 20 (Revolution of the King and the People), Nov 6 (Green March)

The Road to Independence

In 1912, the Treaty of Fez placed most of Morocco under a French protectorate, while Spain controlled zones in the north and south and Tangier became an international zone. Moroccans never accepted foreign rule quietly. The Rif War of the 1920s, led by Abd el-Krim, and the nationalist movement of the 1930s and 1940s kept the idea of independence alive.

In 1944 Moroccan nationalists issued the Proclamation of Independence (January 11 — now also a public holiday). Sultan Mohammed V openly supported their cause, especially in his famous 1947 Tangier speech. In response, France forced him into exile on August 20, 1953, first to Corsica and then to Madagascar. The exile triggered an uprising across the country, remembered as the Revolution of the King and the People.

Facing growing resistance, France allowed the Sultan to return. He arrived in Rabat on November 16, 1955 to a hero’s welcome, and on November 18 — the anniversary of his accession to the throne — he announced the end of the protectorate and the start of a new era of freedom.

Date	Milestone
March 30, 1912	Treaty of Fez creates the French protectorate
1921–1926	Rif War against Spanish and French forces
January 11, 1944	Manifesto of Independence presented by nationalists
April 9, 1947	Mohammed V’s Tangier speech calls for unity and independence
August 20, 1953	Sultan exiled; uprising begins
November 16, 1955	Mohammed V returns to Morocco
November 18, 1955	End of protectorate announced — today’s Independence Day
March 2, 1956	Franco-Moroccan declaration recognises independence
April 7, 1956	Spain gives up its northern protectorate
1957	Mohammed V takes the title of King

“We have moved from the lesser struggle to the greater struggle.” — words attributed to Mohammed V on his return, meaning the fight for freedom would now become the work of building the nation.

How Moroccans Celebrate

• Red flags with the green star fill streets, balconies, shops and taxis.
• Official ceremonies in Rabat and every region, with speeches, wreaths and tributes to the resistance.
• Royal pardons — the King traditionally pardons a number of prisoners on national occasions such as this.
• School and cultural events where children learn about the resistance and sing the national anthem.
• Concerts, parades and fireworks in major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier.
• Family meals with couscous, tagine, msemen pancakes and sweet mint tea.

Moroccan National Days Calendar

Holiday	Date
Proclamation of Independence Day	January 11
Throne Day	July 30
Oued Ed-Dahab Day	August 14
Revolution of the King and the People	August 20
Youth Day	August 21
Green March Day	November 6
Independence Day	November 18

Did You Know?

• November 18 was originally celebrated as Throne Day under Mohammed V; today Throne Day is July 30, the accession date of King Mohammed VI.
• The Moroccan flag — red with a green interlaced five-pointed star (the Seal of Solomon) — was adopted in 1915 and kept after independence.
• Morocco is one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world, with the Alaouite dynasty reigning since the 17th century.
• The national anthem “Hymne Chérifien” (النشيد الوطني المغربي) got its lyrics in 1970.

Independence Day Greetings

Arabic / Darija	English
عيد استقلال سعيد	Happy Independence Day
عاش المغرب	Long live Morocco
كل عام والمغرب بخير	May Morocco be well every year

👉 Plan ahead: See all November holidays around the world

Frequently Asked Questions