Rabat – Today, on Valentine’s Day, the world turns into a sea of red romance.
Lovebirds around the world flutter about this special holiday, armed with roses, chocolates, and grand gestures.
Bright displays of red roses, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and adorable teddy bears compete for the attention of starry-eyed lovers in grocery shops and shopping centers alike.
A flower shop preparing for Valentine’s Day
But it’s not just the retail sector that gets swept up in this Valentine’s Day frenzy.
Hotels, restaurants, and spas participate in the festivities by adorning their interiors with fragrant flowers and red ribbons, making every nook a haven for romance.
Couples are enticed with special Valentine’s Day deals, promising intimate candlelit dinners, relaxing spa treatments, and luxurious overnight stays.
Originally a purely Christian holiday honoring Saint Valentine, the holiday has taken on a more secular and expansive meaning and is now celebrated by countries of different cultures and religions.
Celebrating love, Moroccan style
Even though it is widely considered to be a Western holiday, this day of love has become a worldwide movement, bringing its warm allure to North Africa.
In Morocco, this worldwide movement takes on a distinct taste, combining contemporary opulence with regional customs.
With fragrant rose petals and shimmering lights, restaurants all around the nation create the ideal setting for romantic dinners.
From rooftop terraces overlooking the busy streets of Casablanca to restaurants by the sea in Essaouira, every location has a distinct vibe that lets couples enjoy not just the mouthwatering Moroccan food but also the alluring atmosphere of their surroundings.
Grand surfaces are decked out in red and pink in retail stores like Marjane and Carrefour, giving exclusive discounts on flowers, chocolates, and cuddly teddy bears.
A chocolatier preparing for Valentine’s Day.
It’s a sight to behold, with aisles overflowing with love-struck shoppers hunting for the perfect gift.
Love always finds a way
For many, it may come as a surprise that this Western holiday has found its way to Morocco.
A predominantly Muslim country, the North African nation has a unique relationship with Valentine’s Day.
Some Moroccans desire to live in a loving environment, but others are a little more restrained because of cultural and religious beliefs. Among more conservative views, dating and public displays of affection between couples are strictly frowned upon.
As a commenter wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “In Morocco, you will get bullied if you wear red on Valentine’s Day.”
In conservative areas throughout the country, Valentine’s Day does not always bring excitement.
Some view it as a Western import, while others just want to show their love in more understated ways, away from the commercial circus.
Yet, love always finds a way. Families and friends gather for intimate dinners, sharing traditional dishes like tagine and couscous, with laughter and warmth filling the air.
Here, the emphasis is placed on modesty and discretion when it comes to matters of the heart.
While grand love gestures and public shows of devotion are uncommon, couples send each other sincerely written letters or seize private time away from prying eyes.
In this more private affair, the focus is on the depth of connection rather than the extravagance of the gesture.
Valentine’s in schools: teaching love, one gesture at a time
Valentine’s Day is more than just romantic love in Morocco; it’s also a chance for kids to show their professors how much they appreciate them with little but meaningful gifts.
In many schools across the country, students take the opportunity to show gratitude to their educators by presenting them with small tokens of appreciation, handwritten notes, or even organizing surprise events or performances.
This tradition not only fosters a sense of reverence and respect for their instructors, but it also emphasizes how important it is to be nice and appreciative of people who have a big influence on their education and future.
Moroccan millennials rewriting the rules
When it comes to matters of love, millennials are rewriting the playbook.
Love confessions float social media, with feeds backed by well-chosen images and an abundance of heart emoticons.
If you scroll through your Instagram feed, you may stumble upon a page with the handle “romancevent.”
There, you will witness a heartwarming video of a Moroccan man dropping down on one knee to propose to his beloved on Valentine’s Day on a beautiful beach in Essaouira.
The scene is utterly dreamy, with every detail meticulously orchestrated by the romance mavens behind the scenes, dripping in the disarming charm of love and the heartwarming theatricality of Valentine’s Day.
Instagram hashtags and Snapchat filters are king and queen of this digital love fest.
So, keep in mind that Valentine’s Day in Morocco is what you make of it, whether you’re preparing a big gesture or just enjoying the warmth of love.
Love is in the air, can you feel it?
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