Throne Day

Origins and history

The holiday was first held in 1933 during the rule of Sultan Mohammed V, who had taken the throne in 1927. Early observances fell on 18 November each year. During the period of French rule, the sultan turned the 1941 celebration into a public statement of unity by inviting rabbis from across Morocco, defying Vichy anti-Jewish policies. The date shifts whenever a new monarch assumes power. Under King Hassan II, festivities moved to 3 March, and the accession date changed again to 30 July following King Mohammed VI's enthronement in 1999.

Ceremonies and royal address

Festivities begin on 29 July, the eve of the holiday, when the king delivers a televised speech setting out foreign and domestic directions for the country. The monarch also issues royal pardons around this time. On the holiday itself, public television broadcasts official events across the country. The focal point is an assembly held at the royal palace, bringing together interior ministry personnel along with delegates from Morocco's various provinces, prefectures, and administrative regions to present their formal standing before the monarch.

The oath of allegiance

A central element of Throne Day is the bay'ah, a ritual swearing of loyalty. In earlier times, this declaration took place only during the initial coronation of a sovereign. In 1962, King Hassan II transformed it into an annual observance. During the gathering, state administrators and elected representatives from every corner of Morocco assemble before the king to renew their allegiance. The event is documented by official state media and viewed by citizens nationwide on public television.

How Throne Day is kept

Events commence on 29 July with a nationally broadcast royal speech on domestic and international affairs, alongside the granting of pardons by the king. On 30 July, the royal palace hosts the bay'ah ceremony. Representatives from prefectures, provinces, regions, and the interior ministry gather to swear allegiance to the monarch. Public television broadcasts these proceedings across Morocco, alongside nationwide civic observances.

When and where

The holiday takes place on 30 July, with royal speeches beginning on 29 July. Its date matches the accession day of the reigning monarch, shifting whenever a new king ascends the Moroccan throne.

Throne Day is celebrated across Morocco, with major formal proceedings taking place at the royal palace and broadcast over state television to viewers in every province and region.

What Throne Day means

Throne Day serves as an institutional affirmation of the bond between the Moroccan monarch and the state. Through the annual renewal of the bay'ah, regional representatives and administrative officials publicly reinforce national unity, political continuity, and sovereign authority under the reigning king.

Questions people ask about Throne Day

See also

FantasiaA North African equestrian display of synchronized charging and simultaneous rifle fireJirgaA traditional consultative council of elders that settles disputes through consensusTrooping the ColourThe annual British military parade marking the official birthday of the monarch.Heritage DayA nationwide South African public holiday honouring the country's diverse cultures

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Throne Day (Morocco) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.