Green March Day, celebrated on November 6th, is a significant national holiday in Morocco. This date marks the historic mass demonstration in 1975 known as the 'Green March,' which was a strategic pacific protest organized by Morocco to claim the Spanish Sahara. Over 350,000 unarmed Moroccans marched across the border into the Spanish Sahara, carrying Moroccan flags, photographs of King Hassan II, and green copies of the Quran, symbolizing peace in the Islamic tradition.
The Green March was a major turning point in the decolonization of Africa. The unprecedented, peaceful protest forced Spain to negotiate the status of the Saharan territory, leading to the eventual end of Spanish colonial rule. It was a moment of immense national pride and unity for Morocco, as people from all walks of life came together in a peaceful demonstration of national solidarity and identity, aiming to regain their country’s territorial integrity.
Today, Green March Day is an occasion for all Moroccans to commemorate this significant historical event that shaped the nation's present territorial configuration. The day is marked with celebrations held across the country, including parades, open-air festivals and other cultural events. It's an opportunity for Moroccans to express their patriotism, learn about their country’s history and honor the peaceful struggle for their territories.