Ramadan Riad 72 Morocco

Ramadan Riad 72 Morocco

Sep 10 - 2014

10 Sep Ramadan Riad 72 Morocco

With just days to go, the countdown to the holy month of Ramadan is on. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking fluids, and even smoking as part of the month-long fast, one of the five pillars of Islam.

As a result, locals are often bustling around in the morning, the cooler hours, before retreating in the afternoon.  But about one hour after sunset, following the breaking of the fast, the streets are filled with locals enjoying a coffee in the cafes, heading to the mosque, and a general festive feeling takes over throughout Marrakech.

However the holy month is an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the Koran and also a time for charity, another one of the pillars of Islam.

What does Ramadan mean for visitors to Morocco?

If you are planning to travel to Morocco during Ramadan, expect empty streets in the afternoon.  Banks, post offices and general offices resume special Ramadan hours, with most offices closing by 15h00.  This is a great time to return to the riad and enjoy the pool, an afternoon nap, or relax with a book.

Cafes targeted at tourists are open during the day.  Many local restaurants offer a special ftour (the meal served to break the fast and tourists are invited to attend for an authentic experience.  The restaurant at Riad Due will be open and lunch and dinner can be ordered daily.

While Muslims generally don’t mind people eating or drinking in front of them as they fast, it is advisable to do this as little as possible.

For visitors hoping to shop, the souks remain open during the day, but expect fewer people around.  In fact, the morning may be the ideal time for shopping before the afternoon heat kicks in and shopkeepers feel the effects of fasting.

If you are invited to join in a ftour, accept the invitation.  It will be an unforgettable experience and a genuine invitation.

But most importantly, do not put off your holiday to a Muslim country simply because of Ramadan.  It’s a perfect time to see another side of the culture and gain a deeper understanding of the religion and the role it plays in people’s daily lives.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Our favourite addresses open during Ramadan:

Dar Zellij will be open for dinner till the 15th July, although closed on Tuesdays

Le Foundouk will be open for both lunch and dinner, although closed Mondays.

Café Clock will be open 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. and offering a special ftour buffet at 70.00MAD per person

Le Jardin will be open daily for lunch and dinner

Café des Epices will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

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