The Islamic and Gregorian Calendars

Morocco uses both religious and civil holidays.

Gregorian calendar

The Gregorian calendar is based on the sun. It is normally used for civil and administrative purposes.

Islamic calendar

The Islamic calendar is based on the moon. It contains twelve months. Its relationship with the Gregorian calendar changes each year.

The Islamic year has approximately 354 days in most years, and 355 days in some years. Because it is shorter, Islamic holidays move approximately ten or eleven days earlier each Gregorian year.

The calendar begins with the Hijra, when the Prophet Mohammed left Mecca in the year 622 of the Gregorian calendar. The Islamic calendar is used for religious purposes.