When is Revolution of the King and the People?
In 2026, Revolution of the King and the People falls on Thursday, August 20, 2026. It is classified here as a paid public holiday.
History of Revolution of the King and the People
The Revolution of the King and the People begins from August 20, 1953, when French protectorate authorities deposed Sultan Mohammed V, exiled him and his family first to Corsica and then Madagascar, and installed Mohammed Ben Arafa. The action intensified nationalist resistance and made the exiled Sultan an even stronger symbol of independence.
Mohammed V returned on November 16, 1955 after negotiations and sustained opposition to protectorate rule; France recognised independence on March 2, 1956. The holiday’s title expresses the monarchy-centred official account of solidarity between ruler and people. A fuller history also recognises diverse nationalist organisations, armed resistance, labour action, rural communities and political disagreements.
Revolution of the King and the People is a paid, non-working holiday under Morocco’s public-administration Decree 2-77-169 as amended; paid holidays for covered agricultural and non-agricultural employment are governed by Decree 2-04-426 and Labour Code Articles 217–223. The decrees do not create an automatic Monday substitute when a holiday falls at the weekend. A bridge or exceptional closure requires a separate decision, as the Government issued for March 23, 2026.
How Revolution of the King and the People is observed
Nationwide paid holiday on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Current government notices, employer policies and local schedules in Morocco should be checked for closures, substitute dates and public-service arrangements.
Traditions of Revolution of the King and the People
Community practice
Families may watch historical programmes, discuss memories of colonial rule and independence or visit monuments and exhibitions. Customs differ by region, language, religious practice and household resources.
Public programme
Public institutions, resistance-veteran organisations and local authorities may hold wreaths, lectures, tributes or flag ceremonies. The official programme does not imply identical participation or political interpretation across Morocco.
Planning the day
Confirm event access and Friday opening hours because the next day is separately Youth Day, not a substitute. Essential services, transport and private businesses may follow their own published schedules.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Morocco official holiday calendar or legislation. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Morocco may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Moroccan public-service legal database: consolidated Decree 2-77-169, Moroccan administration ministry: working hours and public holidays, Moroccan Labour Code, including Articles 217–223 on paid holidays, Morocco national portal: national and religious holiday calendar, Royal Institute history chronology: Mohammed V’s exile and return, U.S. Office of the Historian: return, new government and 1956 recognition, United Nations: Member States.
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