A good traveler knows how important it is to get to know the cultures that will host them during their vacation. Every population has more or less different customs and traditions, which is why it’s a good idea to learn about all the cultural nuances so you can experience your trip in the most respectful and open way possible.
When planning a trip, tourists choose their itinerary and the places to visit, look for places to eat and stay, and check out local events. But the respectful traveler who wants to “travel informed” (to borrow the slogan of a well-known Italian traffic and road-safety information service) fills their suitcase with advice before leaving, advice that will let them truly approach a new culture with the respect it deserves.
This is especially important for those traveling to Arab countries, whose customs are very strict in some respects and different from Western ones. Morocco is perhaps one of the most tolerant of these countries, but it is still an Arab culture.
In this guide we’ll get to know Moroccan culture better, so you can approach it with respect for local customs and traditions and avoid behavior considered inappropriate or offensive.
Traveling to Morocco: some tips on how to behave
In Morocco, every corner breathes the authenticity and colors of its people’s daily life, the heritage of an ancient culture shaped by tradition and religion. The great charm that makes Morocco such a unique place attracts more and more tourists from all over the world every year. But only those who don’t travel in a rush and love savoring every moment become respectful travelers who want to immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of Moroccan culture.
Travel is an experience you carry with you for the rest of your life, and the odd faux pas can make a funny story to tell your friends, but it’s better not to be guilty of bad manners or a lack of respect. Not knowing certain rules of behavior (even when they’re just social and cultural conventions) could offend the local population, and that’s never polite when you’re a guest in someone else’s home.
How to dress in Morocco
Traditional Moroccan clothing is based on long, covering garments (the djellaba or dishdasha) worn over pants by men, and long, colorful dresses (the caftan or boubou) for women, who wear their hair tied back and covered with a veil. In the same way, tourists should ideally wear covering clothes, modest, loose-fitting outfits and keep their shoulders covered, especially when visiting rural areas or mosques.
Cotton and linen are the best fabrics for staying cool. It’s even better if both women and men cover their arms, legs and head. Never forget to bring a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun.
Tank tops and shorts, for both men and women, are considered an affront to good taste by older or more traditional Moroccans.
A note for women: it’s best to avoid wearing shorts, although this isn’t a strict rule and no local will criticize you. But don’t forget to pack flowing, colorful skirts, loose pants or dresses that reach at least mid-calf.
How to behave at markets in Morocco
In Moroccan markets, the famous souks (with Tangier’s Grand Socco and Marrakech’s Souk Semmarine among the most visited), haggling over the price of goods is standard practice. At any traditional market you visit in Morocco, if you don’t bargain with the seller over the price of local handicrafts, fruit and vegetables, fabrics, spices or clothing, you’re actually being rude. But be careful not to overdo it: haggling too hard and belittling the value of the goods is considered bad manners.
How to visit a mosque
In Morocco, tourists are not allowed inside mosques: the only one open to non-Muslims is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. As in any other place of worship, you need to behave respectfully and follow its rules and ancient traditions.
In mosques, both men and women must dress modestly (for men, pants reaching at least below the knee and at least a short-sleeved top; for women, clothing that covers legs and arms). In addition, the prayer areas are separated by gender.
If prayers or official religious ceremonies are taking place inside the mosque, tourists are not allowed in. A detail almost everyone knows: it’s mandatory to take off your shoes in mosques.
How to behave in public spaces in Morocco
A common custom in every country in the world is to behave in public in a way that reflects the culture, customs and traditions of the local population. This is even more true in Arab countries. Here are some examples of behaviors to adopt or avoid in public in Morocco:
- greet people with a handshake and a “Salam Alaikum“, which means “peace be upon you“, or with two kisses on the cheek starting from the left (but only between people of the same sex); if a woman wants to be greeted, she should offer her hand to the man first; if she doesn’t, the man can still greet her with a nod. In any case, you should keep a very formal attitude;
- don’t photograph anyone without first asking their permission, especially women;
- don’t stop to take photos in very crowded places or where there’s little room to walk: it’s considered rude;
- when walking through the alleys of the medina, always remember to keep to the right, so you leave room for scooters and mules to pass;
- women should never sit next to men they don’t know
on public transportation; - don’t touch the head or hair of the person you’re talking to, or a woman’s hijab: it’s a very rude gesture;
- don’t point at people while talking, or make gestures referring to someone nearby you don’t know;
- don’t eat, drink or smoke in the street during Ramadan;
- Don’t drink or display alcohol in the street or in public places;
- It’s good practice to leave a tip at restaurants, and for porters, drivers and guides;
- don’t play loud music in public, and always turn the volume down when you hear the call to prayer;
- socializing in a hammam: besides being a place to reach spiritual purity through the ritual cleansing of the body, hammams are public places where men and women socialize, going at different times so they don’t meet; hammams for tourists are private, and you can also find mixed ones;
- avoid displays of affection in public;
- Women shouldn’t approach a man or boy in a friendly way, with hugs or kisses on the cheek, or in an overly outgoing and sunny manner, because it’s seen as a romantic advance. Sometimes even married men don’t appreciate contact with other women.
How to behave in a Moroccan family’s home
If you’re invited to lunch or dinner at a Moroccan family’s home, you should take off your shoes; it’s customary to bring a gift (pastries, figs, dates, hazelnuts or fresh juice). During the meal, it’s considered good manners to finish everything on your plate and also to accept seconds as a sign of gratitude. The lady of the house will surely insist, but this is a form of respect and generosity toward her guests. If you’re really too full, just touch your stomach and shake your head, saying “La, shukran“, which means “no, thank you“. Tea is a symbol of hospitality and should never be refused.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Arab world, get ready to explore a truly fascinating culture while respecting local customs. That’s what a mindful traveler does.
Lisa Florian
Lisa
