MARRAKESH DURING RAMADAN

MARRAKESH DURING RAMADAN, SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW AS NOT MUSLIM.

When ?

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان, Ramadhan) is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In Islam, it is considered the holy month of repentance, during which, between Fajr (the dawn well before sunrise) and maghrib (at sunset) most of believers -as long as they are not exempt from it- fast.

This means that, each year, Ramadan starts on another date and moves forward with time.

I landed here in 2008 and we have known the hot summers, this year we are in April and fasting, without the hot temperatures of summer, is significantly less stressful.

What is allowed and not allowed?

Fasting is called sawm (saum) or siyam. This means that it is assumed that during this period between sunrise and sunset one is not supposed to eat, drink, smoke and abstain from sex. You actually behave during this month as a balanced person who holds moral values in high regard.

Does everyone else participate in it?

Not everyone but this is a personal choice for everyone, even though there are penalties for public non-compliance for Muslims.

Is it difficult?

Let's just say that the more vices you have, the harder will be the first week . Headaches are a typical feature. Once you get the rhythm, the second and third weeks fly by. The last week is always the hardest for me personally.

How long after the end before you are back to your normal rhythm.

It's different for everyone, but before my body replenishes all the necessary minerals and my supplies are back to normal I need about three days.

How is the experience?

Being part of Ramadan together with family and friends is enriching, ultimately there is no chip built into your body and the only control is self-control.

Will persons be working during this period?

Most companies adjust their hours because it clearly reduces performance in particular when it comes to concentration.

In the hospitality industry, work is done at night when all the cafes open after sunset and receive their guests to replenish the missed nicotine and caffeine.

Travelling to Marrakech during Ramadan.

This period during which Ramadan is due this year is definitely the perfect period in terms of temperature and nature. You can also do golden business as many hotels offer special deals during this period.

If you know your way around, this is a perfect period where you have almost the entire city to yourself during the day.

Supermarkets and some foreign-oriented shops and cafes are open during the day. Hotels are operating, but you have to keep in mind that service is not always at its finest. The so-called fuse can also be shorter at times during this period. An extra portion of patience and empathy is welcome.

If you can live with the pros and cons, this is without doubt the perfect month to come and find us in Marrakech.

Peter Adam

Eid Mubarak

Time for a coffee and to be happy.