Fez – In Morocco, the back-to-school season is more than just a shopping trip—it is a national ritual. Every September, the rush fills bookstores, malls, and neighborhood souks, where families search for affordable yet durable supplies.
The excitement is balanced with rising costs, as parents in big cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech often face higher prices for notebooks, pens, and backpacks compared to past years. This has made careful budgeting a central part of preparation, with many families comparing prices across shops or turning to wholesale markets.
Students are investing in more than the basics. Many Moroccan boys now carry tablets or laptops—once considered a luxury, now increasingly seen as a necessity for assignments and research.
Affordable models are popular, with families often looking for sales at Marjane, Carrefour or Aswak Assalam. At the same time, traditional stationery remains essential: notebooks, geometry sets, and planners, which are all still in high demand.
A sturdy backpack remains the centerpiece of preparation, and this season, neutral-toned designs with multiple compartments are trending, while sports-branded styles are especially popular among teenagers.
Fashion is another important element of the back-to-school season. Boys in middle and secondary schools often favor casual looks: jeans, graphic T-shirts, and hoodies, with sneakers as the go-to footwear. Not to mention tech-wear.
In university settings, the style shifts toward smart-casual. Polo shirts, button-downs, and chinos are paired with loafers or clean sneakers. In big cities, international brands attract attention, but in smaller towns, practicality often outweighs brand names, with families opting for long-lasting, affordable clothing from local shops or weekly souks.
Health and self-care also play a role in preparation. With many schools lacking canteen services, Moroccan boys often carry homemade meals. Lunchboxes packed with msemen sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water are common sights.
This year, reusable containers and eco-friendly bottles are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a gradual cultural shift toward sustainability. Grooming is also a part of the process: regular haircuts, skincare routines, and hygiene basics such as deodorant and cologne help students feel confident as they head back to class.
Sports remain central to many boys’ routines. Neighborhood football fields, basketball courts, and gyms are filled in the weeks leading up to school, as students balance summer energy with the discipline of school schedules.
Fitness is not only about appearance but also about stress relief, with many boys finding that staying active helps them manage the pressures of exams and homework.
Shopping habits reflect Morocco’s diversity. In big cities, families often head to large malls for one-stop shopping, where bookstores and clothing outlets stand side by side.
In Fez, Meknes, and smaller cities, traditional souks remain the main destinations, where bargaining is part of the experience.
Parents compare prices at multiple stalls before settling on purchases, while children often negotiate for their preferred styles of backpacks or sneakers. Online shopping is also slowly gaining ground, particularly for electronics and branded clothes, though many families still prefer in-person markets for trust and price flexibility.
The rising cost of living has made preparation more challenging this year. Many parents admit to prioritizing quality over quantity, buying fewer but more durable items.
In some households, older siblings pass down school supplies or clothing to younger brothers. Communities also step in—local associations across Morocco distribute free backpacks and notebooks to underprivileged children, ensuring that the back-to-school excitement extends to students in need.
For Moroccan boys, back-to-school is more than a checklist of supplies. It is a moment of renewal, a chance to step into the classroom with confidence, and an opportunity to blend tradition with modern trends.
Whether in a bustling city bookstore or a quiet village souk, the season marks a fresh beginning—an annual reminder that preparation is as much about spirit and ambition as it is about gear and style.
