Striking to witness on August 20th as Morocco gathers to celebrate the Revolution of the King and People. An unbreakable bond between the nation and its institutions.

The People and the Throne

The annual commemoration of the Revolution of the King and People remains a defining moment in Morocco's calendar. The Revolution of the King and People embodies the profound attachment of the Moroccan people to their sovereign, and this national celebration is marked each year by a rich tapestry of diverse festivities.

It all began in 1953, when Morocco was still under French protectorate rule, and the Sultan of Morocco was Mohammed V. In an attempt to consolidate their authority, the French compelled the Sultan into exile, hoping to gain tighter control over the nation. Mohammed V thus departed on August 20th, 1953, and the Revolution of the King and People set in motion.

The people rejected this exile, and manifestations and confrontations with French colonizers multiplied, until these same authorities eventually accepted Mohammed V's return. He thus came back to Morocco on November 16th, 1955. The Revolution of the King and People had prevailed.

Each year, the nation takes time to honor this union between the people and their King, and so August 20th commemorates the Revolution of the King and People. It stands as an occasion for a powerful popular demonstration of devotion and attachment to the Moroccan Kingdom.

A Popular Celebration

A national holiday in Morocco, the celebration of the Revolution of the King and People underscores the unbreakable bond between the Moroccan people and their sovereign. Beyond the traditional official ceremonies – you may observe at the Royal Palace in Rabat as the monarch addresses the nation – the day also sees private initiatives flourish, and the entire country comes alive with diverse celebrations.

Throughout all provinces, local authorities organize grand parades to commemorate, in united spirit, this Revolution of the King and People. You will surely be struck by the addition of religious prayers to these official demonstrations.

For this is Morocco's occasion to celebrate the Revolution of the King and People, but also the deep attachment of its culture and institutions to Islam. These ceremonies typically culminate in a gathering in an official hall or on a public square to watch the rebroadcasting of addresses from the reigning monarch.

Each August 20th, then, Morocco takes time to reflect on its history, and the people renew their support for their sovereign. Had you visited Morocco during the summer of 2011, you would have observed that the events of the Arab Spring did not diminish this national celebration.