The best way to deal with this is to completely ignore them. In villages and small towns, and even in the Medinas of large cities, many women still wear the veil and the street is strictly the man’s domain. Culture and Etiquette Moroccans are a very welcoming and tolerant people towards different cultures, ideas and ways of life. On the whole, Moroccans are tolerant and extremely hospitable. Research from The Cultural Context (J. Nuliep) and the Nonverbal Code (J. Martin & T. Nakayama) have been summarized compiled into an outline for easy comparison. Cities like Tetouan and Fes are very conservative (Northern Morocco is more conservative in general than the South) and following the cultural norms related to dress and sexuality could be a matter of safety. Fez is the enduring cultural and spiritual center of Morocco, North Africa’s last remaining kingdom. However, even in these cases you should be sensitive: peering into mosques may be considered acceptable to locals in the main tourist cities, but in the countryside you should be a bit more hands off. The social norms in Morocco revolve around conservative and traditional values. Being aware of that fact will make it seem a lot less threatening. Colorful Map Learning Arabic The most important thing to remember, however, is to never ask someone how much they are expecting to receive in tips from you. Wearing “modest” clothes (long sleeves, long skirts, baggy rather than tight clothes) will give an impression of respectability. Morocco Books, Morocco Tour Operator Rough Guides® is a trademark owned by Apa Group with its headquarters at Locally Based in Tangier, Morocco In addition to the indigenous Amazigh (Berbers) people, the country has hosted a variety of cultures coming from the East (Phoenicians and Arabs), the South (Sub-Saharan Africans), and the North (Romans and Spanish Andalusians – both Muslim and Jewish) throughout history. https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/morocco/culture-etiquette You’re not the first woman to visit Morocco. Guaranteed to inspire travel lust, this edition is a wonderful companion for you while you’re in the planning stages or already in-country. You’ll also see young people of both sexes hanging out together, though you can be sure that opportunities for premarital sex are kept to a minimum. In cosmopolitan cities, such as Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, the dress code is more relaxed. One result is that Moroccan women will receive their friends at home rather than meet them in, say, a café (although this is slowly changing) and this can make it difficult for you to get to know Moroccan women. In any case, however interpreted, Islam most certainly does not condone sexual harassment, and nor do any respectable Moroccans. Pay attention to the Moroccan women around you to gain helpful clues as to what is acceptable. Once dinner is ready, expect to be seated on a floor mat around a knee-high round table with one communal dish in the middle, or on couches around a large round table. Making it clear that you have the same standards as your Moroccan counterparts will usually deter all but the most insistent of men. Clothes are a particularly important part of Moroccan culture and etiquette. It is true that most young Moroccan women don’t wear a veil - though they may well wear a headscarf - and in cities Moroccan women wear short-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts. People who consistently ignore societal norms and standards of Morocco may be seen as an outcast. When eating from a communal plate at someone’s home, the table etiquette in Morocco is to take only what is immediately in front of you, unless specifically offered a piece of meat by the host. Whether you’re exploring the ruins of Volubilis, strolling through the streets of an ancient medina, shopping for spices in a centuries-old souk, or following a chain of pack mules up to a remote Berber village, you can’t escape the power of Moroccan history. Below are a few rules (or hints) to make sure you respect the culture throughout your tour of Morocco and as you make heads and tails of this fascinating country. With such a variety of influences, no wonder that Moroccan culture can seem a bit confusing at first! 100-200Dh for a 1/2 day tour is fairly standard for small groups. Switzerland. Women may experience catcalling and more attention from members of the opposite sex. It is polite to refuse the first time and then take a small portion upon a second food offering. This site is owned by Apa Digital AG, Bahnhofplatz 6, 8854 Siebnen, With the very low score of 14, the Moroccan culture is clearly normative. Visitors know Morocco not only for its … It is Moroccan custom to take a gift: sweet pastries or tea and sugar are always acceptable, and you might even take meat (by arrangement – a chicken from the countryside for example, still alive of course) to a poorer home. However, if you are left handed, it typically is not an issue or faux pas. It is often said that women are second-class citizens in Islamic countries, though educated Muslim women are usually keen to point out that this is a misinterpretation of Islam. It should be said, however, that such ideas are gradually disappearing among the urban youth, and you will nowadays find some Moroccan women drinking in the more sophisticated bars, and even more often in cafés, which were, until quite recently, an all-male preserve. In fact, speaking multiple languages is much more than just an asset in the Moroccan professional world—it is a requirement. Mar 21, 2015 - Visiting rural Morocco is much different from visiting the large cities. Ancient Architecture For more information on Moroccan cuisine, see our food and drink page. The only exceptions are the partially restored Almohad structure of Tin Mal in the High Atlas, the similarly disused Great Mosque at Smara in the Western Sahara, the courtyard of the sanctuary-mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The culture of Morocco is a blend of ethnic tradition and religion, reflecting the Berber, African, Arabs, and Jewish influence. Avoid bringing alcohol (unless you know that your host drinks and exactly what they enjoy) and never bring hot dishes. In part this is to do with Moroccan men’s misunderstanding of Western culture and sexual attitudes, and the fact that some think they can get away with taking liberties with tourists that no Moroccan woman would tolerate. For more information on gay and lesbian travel in Morocco, see our travel essentials page. Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. Wearing a headscarf to cover your hair and ears will give this impression even more. No Moroccan woman would tolerate being groped in the street for example, though they may often have to put up with catcalls and unwanted comments. As you can imagine, this month of fasting has a deep impact on daily life in Islamic countries and Morocco is no exception. As soon as you enter the home, you should remove your shoes and leave them by the door (your host will let you know if such a formality is not needed). If you are ever unsure about what to wear, keep in mind that the best guide to knowing what is appropriate is to note how the locals dress and follow their lead. Most Moroccan men still expect to marry a virgin, and most women would never smoke a cigarette or drink in a bar, the general presumption being that only prostitutes do such things. Hold the bread between the fingers and use your thumb as a scoop; it’s often easier to discard the soft centre of the bread and to use the crust only. In all cases, tipping is a very emotive attitude and it’s often based on a personal perception of the quality of the service provided. Note: If you are invited for dinner alone or you are traveling alone, though Morocco is a safe country, it is best to take precautions and act wisely. Constitutional Monarchy. It is common to see women, Moroccan and foreign alike, wearing short-sleeve tops and knee-length skirts while men often wear sleeveless t-shirts. When your host starts eating you may begin as well. Most Moroccan children grow up speaking Darija or one of the three Berber languages—Tamazight, Tarifit, and Tashelhit—with their families. It is common to have men invited, but not their wives or partners. This month of celebrations is dedicated to swam, or fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. A complimentary guidebook to Moon Morocco, this guide dives deeper into the mysterious souks of the famed “Red City.” With a detailed shopping guide, handy fold-out map, and itineraries for day-tripping from Marrakesh, Lucas brings us another great resource for Morocco! Marrakech hosts thousands of tourists every year, so locals are accustomed to … Fresh flowers can also make a great gift and you can also consider bringing a smaller present for the children of the household. From sunrise to sunset, the faithful abstain from food, drink, tobacco, and sexual thoughts and activity to focus on spiritual renewal. Health & Beauty Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting. Older men, particularly from the countryside, often hold hands. Norms tend to have a larger effect on Moroccan than on South‐Asian Surinamese women, as Moroccan culture is regarded as being more collectivistic than South‐Asian Surinamese culture. This will only lead to an awkward conversation and you will still be left in the dark. Welcome back! If you are eating from a communal dish, keep to the triangle of food immediately in front of you. Shouting “Shooma!” (“Shame on you!”) is likely to result in bystanders intervening on your behalf, and a very uncomfortable situation for your assailant. Morocco is a great example of coexistence of different subcultures on the territory of one country. The Islamic calendar follows a lunar pattern so every year Ramadan is held at a different time in the Western calendar (it generally moves about 10 days forward on Gregorian calendar from year to year). There’s an old addage “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” but one thing I’m learning is sometimes “doing as the Romans.” really isn’t the best idea – especially when it compromises your values. Visa Requirements Women are generally expected to dress more modestly, not engage in drinking or smoking in public, and avoid physical contact with men. We hope these basic culture and etiquette tips will help you have an enjoyable time in Morocco without worry! The etiquette in Morocco is to tip – among others – waiters in cafés (1dh per person) and restaurants (5dh or so in moderate places, 10–15 percent in upmarket places); museum and monument curators (3–5dh); gardiens de voitures (5dh); filling station attendants (3–5dh); and porters who load your baggage onto buses (5dh). There is no doubt that, for women especially, travelling in Morocco is a very different experience from travelling in a Western country. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee. 2. Traditionally, Moroccans typically greet with a handshake and sometimes two kisses (starting with the left cheek) but this only occurs when the two people greeting are of the same sex. Two years into our stay I finally grasped some cultural etiquettes, while others remain elusive – maybe even to the Moroccans who practice them because that’s just the way it is. Moroccan women are encouraged and rarely marry outside their faith. The 1st edition of Marrakesh & Beyond is a handy pocket-sized traveler. Travel Safety The only exceptions to this rule are the ancient Tin Mal Mosque in the High Atlas, the Great Mosque at Smara in the Western Sahara, the courtyard of the imperial sanctuary-mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Moroccan Music is one of the fundamental aspects of Morocco's culture, There are many different musical styles to be found in Morocco, each one with its own history. It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink during the day. It is also impolite in Morocco to point at someone with your index finger to motion them towards you. Ferry to Morocco, Marrakesh Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Copyright © 2020 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. The punishment for any act regarded “shameless and unnatural” can be punishable by six months to three years imprisonment and a fine. 16 Things that may be commonplace in your native culture can be misinterpreted when discussing culture and etiquette in Morocco. Tangier Unfortunately, if you are not Muslim, you are not allowed to enter most mosques in Morocco. Zellige is the name given to the ornate and colourful tilework that can be found … Berber influence is most prominent in a wide range of activities and way of life of the Moroccan people. Go tailor-made! Rabat With the recent pandemic due to COVID 19, most Moroccans have reverted back to a common greeting of placing your right hand on your heart after saying “hello” (or rather, salaam alykum). Morocco has been called “home” by many different people throughout the centuries, and the local culture is reflective of this. Because Hshuma is such an integral part of Moroccan culture, people are greatly affected by "Hshuma", and when it is brought upon them they are likely to correct their actions. The fear of "Hshuma" is a successful way to prevent it. Know the Moroccan Culture Before Traveling As with travel to all locations in the world it is important to respect the social and cultural norms of Morocco. Such blend of culture couldn’t appear in one day, it had been forming through centuries and … Eating in local cafés, or if invited to a home, you may notice the etiquette in Morocco is to use your hands rather than a knife and fork. ... Planning to travel here? In other mosques, your experience is limited to a few snapshots of the magnificent outer structure and some stolen glimpses through open doors. Even in traditional Moroccan societies, mountain Berber women, who do most of the hard work, play a much more open role in society, and rarely use a veil. MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%. Different women seem to have vastly different experiences of sexual harassment in Morocco. 1. However homosexuality between Moroccans or Moroccans and foreigners is strictly illegal. In Morocco, the tendency is rather of four meals a day, if we include the afternoon snack. Nonverbal communication in Morocco From the website, culturecrossing.net, I learned the men in Morocco “shake hands when greeting one another and usually kiss once on each cheek.” When first being introduced to a lady, you should wait to see if she will shake … Muslims eat only with the right hand (the left is used for the toilet), and you should do likewise. One reader told us she felt a headscarf was “the single most important item of dress”, adding that you can pull it over your face as a veil if unwanted male attention makes you feel uncomfortable. All greetings, dining manners and other gestures should be done with your right hand. 7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom However, you will notice that many Moroccan women totally ignore the traditional dress code, and do not suffer excessive harassment as a result. It is custom to use your right hand to eat. Walking through graveyards, near koubbas (tombs of local saints), and near zaouias (religious schools and monasteries) should also be avoided as these are considered holy places. While sex equality has a long way to go in Morocco, in some ways, at least in theory, the sexes are not as unequal as they seem. Posted Mar 02, 2020 It is also a good custom to come bearing gifts. Both the guide and the driver were wonderful! First, it’s important to always make sure that your spouse or partner is also invited. Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco © posztos/Shutterstock. It may also be that if you are travelling with a man, Moroccan men will address him rather than you – but this is in fact out of respect for you, not disrespect, and you will not be ignored if you join in the conversation. beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are considered appropriate in Moroccan society. Please use our Contact Us page to reach us for initial tour requests. Even ordinary T-shirts may be regarded as underwear, particularly in rural mountain areas. Avoiding Offense-- In Morocco, taboo conversation subjects include the royal family, the political situation in the Western Sahara and Algeria, and drugs.It's also wise to be prudent when talking about Islam and Al'lah (God). Moroccan culture contains Jewish, Arab, Berber, African and European subcultures. Morocco is a Muslim country, with 99% of its population identifying as Sunni Muslim, but religious minorities are widely respected. When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to inquire about marital status, children, as well as the health and well-being of one’s family. One of the major disappointments of travelling in Morocco if you are not Muslim is not being allowed into its mosques. For more practical information on how to visit Morocco during Ramandan, you will want to read this: https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/blog/visiting-morocco-during-ramadan.html. Nonetheless, you should try not to affront people’s religious beliefs, especially those of older, more conservative people. 5 Incredible and Famous Moroccan Women You Must Know! Although there is no standard amount that you should always leave in different establishments and different circumstances, we’ve covered the most basic rules of thumb to help you out. This is as true for friends and acquaintances as it is now for family members. But as a result, they may then suffer more harassment. Other strategies to steer clear of trouble include avoiding eye contact, mentioning a husband who is nearby, and, if travelling with a boyfriend or just with a male friend, giving the impression that he is your husband. However there are also some rules of etiquette to be followed. At restaurants, you should always tip your waiters but this will vary according to the style of the restaurant: consider leaving about 5dh in moderate places and 10%-15% in more upmarket establishments. You may see plenty of advice to “dress modestly” when traveling in Morocco, but this etiquette should especially be considered when going into rural areas. Fez The etiquette in Morocco is to tip – among others – waiters in cafés (1dh per person) and restaurants (5dh or so in moderate places, 10–15 percent in upmarket places); museum and monument curators (3–5dh); gardiens de voitures (5dh); filling station attendants (3–5dh); and porters who load your baggage onto buses (5dh). Any plans to visit mosques will usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to. Chefchaouen In general, the cultural norms for clothing in Morocco are more modest than those of the U.S. and Europe, and women normally wear long pants or skirts and shirts that cover their shoulders and chests. Morocco Festivals Traditionally, Moroccan women are coy and aloof, and uninhibited friendliness – especially any kind of physical contact between sexes – may be seen as a come-on, so being polite but formal when talking to men will diminish the chances of misinterpretation. There is no doubt that for women traveling in Morocco it is different than traveling in a Western country. Sahara Desert Information on bars, meeting places and cruising spots can be found in the annual Sparticus Gay Guide. Raising Global Kids: Cultural Norms and Discipline of Children. As for immodestly dressed women being taken for prostitutes, the fact is that actual sex workers in Morocco are often veiled from head to foot, as much to disguise their identities as anything else. This norm is similar to the one that prevails in Mali, especially in urban areas. Atlas Mountains Although you are not required to fast while in Morocco during Ramadan, it is expected that you show respect by avoiding eating and drinking in public places. Despite this, there is a small and discreet gay scene in Morocco, most notably in Marrakesh and Agadir. Men traditionally rule in the street, which is their domain, the woman’s being the home. In hotels, you should tip bellboys (10-20dh depending on the size and number of suitcases) and cleaning maids (20dh or 100dh per week). It is also a good idea to avoid walking through graveyards, as these also are regarded as sacred places. In France, the number of meals is significantly higher for people of Moroccan origin than for those of Malian origin (3,3 versus 2,9***). Some travellers find it persistent and bothersome, while others have little or no trouble with it at all. Its pisé mud-brick Berber architecture, Spanish Andalusian-influenced melhoune music, and delicious spices of ras el hanout are just a few of the North African country’s signature charms. Public displays of affection in Morocco should also be kept to a minimum, as Morocco is a largely conservative culture. They made us feel safe throughout the trip and they were very accommodating to our n Covering the head and/or face is a personal choice some Moroccan women make The general rule for female tourists is to dress conservatively and avoid exposing a lot of curves, décolletage, shoulders, and/or thighs. Whilst male homosexuality is relatively common in Morocco, gay sex remains illegal under Moroccan law. Why Norms Matter Both historical and present-day examples show us the power of social influence. A secondary note: If you’re invited to a Moroccan wedding, expect to eat fairly late in the evening! Visiting women are not expected to dress as Moroccans do, but a little bit of respect can go a long way. You should instead beckon someone by placing your palm downward and sweeping your hand towards yourself. Find out what to expect from an American expat that called the High Atlas home. The left hand is considered impure and is saved for bathroom duties and cleaning chores. This rule applies equally to the numerous whitewashed koubbas – the tombs of marabouts, or local saints (usually domed: koubba actually means “dome”) – and the “monastic” zaouias of the various Sufi brotherhoods. While it’s true some villagers may be put off by abnormal-to-them displays … Asilah Top image: Red hijab headscarf over muslim woman © Marko Rupena/Shutterstock. Monuments & Sites If you are completely full, simply pat your stomach and shake your head while saying “La, shukrran” (“No, thank you”). Written and photographed by JBT Director, Lucas Peters, the 2nd edition of Moon Morocco is a detailed, full-colored country guidebook. Decorations: Zellige. Tipping in Morocco is customary, so you will be expected to leave a few dirhams in a number of places during your travels through the country. It is best to double-check your invitation to make sure if this invitation extended to you includes your spouse, partner, friend, or other travel companion. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but always appreciate one. Dress. Casablanca The country’s two official languages are Classical Arabic and Tashelheit, though many Moroccans speak a number of languages with French, Spanish (particularly in the north) and English being common. In particular, it is forbidden for Berber-Arab women to be married to French, Spanish or Jewish men. We had a fantastic trip! While traveling during Ramadan is a great opportunity to discover Islamic culture and customs, it can require a little planning ahead. You should also avoid physical contact with Moroccan men, even in a manner that would not be considered sexual at home, since it could easily be misunderstood. Many women compare Morocco favourably with Spain and other parts of southern Europe, but there is no doubt that, in general, harassment of tourists here is more persistent than it is in northern Europe or the English-speaking world. In the Villes Nouvelles of large cities, and especially in the Casa–Rabat–El Jadida area, and in Marrakesh, you’ll see most women without a veil or even a headscarf. MAJOR RELIGION (S): Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%. Foreign influences throughout the years mean Morocco is home to people of different ethnicities, and today’s culture reflects this. Food & Recipes Although this code of behavior is now more relaxed in big cities such as Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Rabat, it is important to follow it in rural Morocco. No elements found. Elsewhere, non-Muslims will have to be content with an occasional glimpse through open doors, and even in this you should be sensitive: people don’t seem to mind tourists peering into the Kairaouine Mosque in Fez (the country’s most important religious building), but in the country you should never approach a shrine too closely. Before the meal is served, a wash basin may be brought to the table: hold your hands over it while the water is poured and then dry them on the towel provided. Avoid, for example, wearing revealing clothes, kissing and cuddling in public, or eating or smoking in the street during Ramadan. Single women, in particular, should we wary of invitations extended to them by men. On the other hand, lesbianism in Morocco is virtually unheard of, and as a visitor, there is very little chance of meeting any Moroccan lesbians. It is also wise not to smoke in public, as some men still seem to think this indicates that you are available for sex. As a conservative and religious country, clothing is something you have to be mindful of when visiting Morocco. Indeed, Western liberals often forget that the purpose of wearing a veil is to protect women rather than to oppress them. © 2004-2020. If you happen to be invited into someone’s home, know you will have an amazing experience. In Morocco, gender roles are much more defined and the traditional views of a patriarchal society are quite prominent which means women will have to take extra precautions when discovering the colorful streets of Morocco. At museums, monuments and local tourist attractions, it is custom to leave 3-5dh to curators. Have an enjoyable time in Morocco is a great opportunity to discover Islamic culture and etiquette and not... Norm of Morocco clear that you have an amazing experience people ’ s lead exploring the similarities and between! Mali, especially those of older, more conservative people under Moroccan.... 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