Morocco
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Morocco is a country marked by its traditions and its religion. Culturally it has Arab, Mediterranean and, of course, African influences. Morocco is considered one of the most western countries in Africa, but cultural differences remain notable.
Therefore, it is recommended not to leave curiosity aside, but above all to be respectful and tolerant of Moroccan customs and traditions. Keeping these recommendations in mind, you will enjoy the Moroccan experience even more.
GASTRONOMY
The best advice is that you try everything you can, the skewers, nuts, orange or beet and orange juices, their wide variety of sweets, These are my favorites
couscous
Couscous (semolina wheat) cooked and accompanied by vegetables, lamb, veal or chicken,
El Tajín is another of the dishes that you will find everywhere.
This delicacy owes its name to the container in which it is prepared, a clay pot with a conical lid, and there are different varieties, among which I would highlight the Lamb and Chicken Tajine
Eggplant Zaalouk
Eggplant zaalouk is one of the most typical and delicious salads in Morocco, especially from the city of Fez, and is also known as eggplant caviar.
and its wonderful almond and honey sweets_cc781905-5cde -3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
RELIGION
Non-Muslims should not enter a mosque without permission, nor may they take pictures of the interior or at close range. This custom in Morocco is strictly followed.
If you are in Morocco during the celebration of Ramadan, it is a kind gesture not to eat, drink or smoke in public, although this is not intended to accompany fasting.
Tea, much more than a simple drink.
Tea is one of the most popular drinks in Morocco, it is drunk at all hours and at any time. In addition, tea is considered a gesture of hospitality, so it should not be rejected, but if it is rejected, it should be politely and explaining the lack of habit, for example
when greeting
Avoid using the left hand, both to greet and to deliver or receive objects or money: for Muslims the left hand is "impure"
When greeting, the common practice is to give 3 kisses on the cheeks, but only between people of the same sex. The handshake is also common. Followed by the right hand over the heart indicates respect.
It is a sign of kindness to remove your shoes when entering a house as a guest.
In a conversation, it is polite to ask about family and health, but any mention of the royal family, religion, drugs and political conflicts is considered taboo.
Outfit
According to customs in Morocco, you should not wear shorts, swimsuits or sleeveless clothing unless you are on the beach, as it is considered disrespectful. Western clothing may be worn as long as it adheres to certain rules such as covered shoulders and legs. It is recommended to adapt to the usual clothing of the customs in Morocco: wide long-sleeved shirts, wide pants and sandals and sandals for men; women can choose between a set of baggy pants with short-sleeved shirts and sandals, or the traditional Moroccan tunic called a jellabah .
In the restaurant
Tipping is an "institution" in Morocco and it is preferable not to neglect it. Usually, in a cafe or restaurant, 10% of the bill is left. The same in the case of official guides. For services such as valet parking or baggage handling, it should be calculated between 5 DH and 10 DH. For fuel dispensers and taxi drivers, 5 DH is usually fine. If you ask someone to take a picture of you, they will probably ask you for money: 10 DH is usually enough. In all cases, if you are not sure of the amount to leave, you can choose to “round up” the total of the bill, but never forget to tip.
In most public places you can smoke, it is not usual to find "non-smoking" places.
Public bathrooms are scarce and do not have toilet paper, so it is convenient to bring your own.
Being mostly Muslim, Moroccans do not drink alcohol, although it is served in some hotels, bars and nightclubs. Never drink alcohol on public roads.
If you are going to ask directions or help from an unknown person, always start the sentence with the words Salaam aleikoum, the traditional Moroccan greeting.