Switzerland. Casablanca Others. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. There is also a strong tradition of the subversion of gender norms to be found in the history of Moroccan pop-culture. 3. 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 is a great example of coexistence of different subcultures on the territory of one country. Ramadan feast at home © dotshock/Shutterstock. Different women seem to have vastly different experiences of sexual harassment in Morocco. The punishment for any act regarded “shameless and unnatural” can be punishable by six months to three years imprisonment and a fine. Avoid, for example, wearing revealing clothes, kissing and cuddling in public, or eating or smoking in the street during Ramadan. Sahara Desert 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. Essaouira Some Moroccan families may be more conservative and thus not entertain mixed-sex groups or may organize separate dining areas for women and men. Drivers are a more subjective experience and at the discretion of the client. 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). 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. This norm is similar to the one that prevails in Mali, especially in urban areas. Women may experience catcalling and more attention from members of the opposite sex. 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. 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. Monuments & Sites It is also a good custom to come bearing gifts. There is no doubt that, for women especially, travelling in Morocco is a very different experience from travelling in a Western country. Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. The culture of Morocco is a blend of ethnic tradition and religion, reflecting the Berber, African, Arabs, and Jewish influence. Berber influence is most prominent in a wide range of activities and way of life of the Moroccan people. This study explored the expectations that Moroccan native speakers (n = 57) and beginning‐level learners of Arabic (n = 38) held of one another regarding conformity to Moroccan cultural norms… While there is definitely exceptions this is the accepted socio-cultural norm of Morocco. 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 vast majority of the population identifies as Berber, Arab, or a mix. 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. 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. The cultural diversity of the nation of Morocco is a thing of awe and wonder. It is common to have men invited, but not their wives or partners. In other mosques, your experience is limited to a few snapshots of the magnificent outer structure and some stolen glimpses through open doors. When deciding what to wear in Morocco, the best guide is to note what the locals wear, and dress likewise. This will only lead to an awkward conversation and you will still be left in the dark. Whilst male homosexuality is relatively common in Morocco, gay sex remains illegal under Moroccan law. 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. 1. Women are generally expected to dress more modestly, not engage in drinking or smoking in public, and avoid physical contact with men. Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting. Single women, in particular, should we wary of invitations extended to them by men. Making it clear that you have the same standards as your Moroccan counterparts will usually deter all but the most insistent of men. Find out what to expect from an American expat that called the High Atlas home. Shouting “Shooma!” (“Shame on you!”) is likely to result in bystanders intervening on your behalf, and a very uncomfortable situation for your assailant. In rural areas at least, it is a good idea to follow the dress etiquette in Morocco. However, you will notice that many Moroccan women totally ignore the traditional dress code, and do not suffer excessive harassment as a result. 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. Many Moroccans, especially in rural areas, may be offended by clothes that do not fully cover parts of the body considered “private”, including both legs and shoulders, especially for women. 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. Travel Safety 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. 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. 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. Fez is the enduring cultural and spiritual center of Morocco, North Africa’s last remaining kingdom. If you are invited to join someone for a meal, you should always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet. 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. However there are also some rules of etiquette to be followed. Today's blog will be exploring the similarities and differences between societal values and norms in Moroccan and U.S. American culture. Men may wear sleeveless T-shirts and above-the-knee shorts. Even ordinary T-shirts may be regarded as underwear, particularly in rural mountain areas. 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. Morocco is a Muslim country, with 99% of its population identifying as Sunni Muslim, but religious minorities are widely respected. We had a fantastic trip! Some travellers find it persistent and bothersome, while others have little or no trouble with it at all. Health & Beauty If you happen to be invited into someone’s home, know you will have an amazing experience. 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. With the very low score of 14, the Moroccan culture is clearly normative. In the valleys of the High Atlas, the descendants of the country’s original nomadic inhabitants still live in a remarkably similar style to their ancient ancestors. Especially in rural areas, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private.” For women, this can mean covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. When your host starts eating you may begin as well. Although non-Muslims are not expected to fast during Ramadan, it's considered polite to eat, drink, and smoke indoors, or at least away from the public eye. Mar 21, 2015 - Visiting rural Morocco is much different from visiting the large cities. In any greeting that takes place between a man and a woman, the woman should extend her hand first if she wants to be greeted – if she does not do this, a man should bow his head in greeting. Top image: Red hijab headscarf over muslim woman © Marko Rupena/Shutterstock. Marrakech hosts thousands of tourists every year, so locals are accustomed to … Moroccan culture contains Jewish, Arab, Berber, African and European subcultures. Some countries have their own way of showing that they are unique from other countries and race. This is as true for friends and acquaintances as it is now for family members. The left hand is considered impure and is saved for bathroom duties and cleaning chores. At Moroccan wedding ceremonies, it is still common to see a man dressed in a caftan, a scarf tied around the pelvis, dancing on the cart that bears the groom as an offering to his bride. 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. The Muslim idea of “modest dress” requires women to be covered from wrist to ankle, and men from over the shoulder to below the knee. Morocco has been called “home” by many different people throughout the centuries, and the local culture is reflective of this. Morocco Festivals Copyright © 2020 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved. 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. In hotels, you should tip bellboys (10-20dh depending on the size and number of suitcases) and cleaning maids (20dh or 100dh per week). 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! Avoid bringing alcohol (unless you know that your host drinks and exactly what they enjoy) and never bring hot dishes. This doesn’t mean they don’t have strong beliefs and cultural norms – and you should definitely avoid offending those at all costs. It is custom to use your right hand to eat. It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink during the day. As a conservative and religious country, clothing is something you have to be mindful of when visiting Morocco. 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. As a culture, Morocco has embraced a multilingual norm. In cosmopolitan cities, such as Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, the dress code is more relaxed. Moroccans are a very welcoming and tolerant people towards different cultures, ideas and ways of life. 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. 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. Ferry to Morocco, Marrakesh 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. There is no doubt that for women traveling in Morocco it is different than traveling in a Western country. 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. Budget Flight Tips 100-200Dh for a 1/2 day tour is fairly standard for small groups. 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. Traditional hijab dress © MOHAMED BADDAR/Shutterstock. Ancient Architecture 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. If you are completely full, simply pat your stomach and shake your head while saying “La, shukrran” (“No, thank you”). The social norms in Morocco revolve around conservative and traditional values. 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