Nov 18, 2019
Morocco Independence Day 2019
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Morocco’s Independence Day, known in the North African nation as Eid Al Istiqlal, literally the “Festival of freedom.” On this day in 1955, Sultan Muhammad V gave a triumphant speech in the capital city of Rabat announcing the end of Spanish and French colonial rule, just two days after he and the entire royal family returned from exile.
November 18th was already a significant date, marking the occasion of Muhammad V being named a Sultan of Morocco in 1927, long before his arrest by French forces in 1953. Upon his return, Muhammad V wasted no time negotiating full independence from European colonial rule and eventually reigned as King, ushering in reforms and shaping a modern constitutional monarchy. He was succeeded by his son King Hassan II, who had also spent time in exile with his father, and declared November 18th a national holiday.
From Tangier in the north all the way down to Tarfaya in the south, the red flag with a green star in the center can be seen flying all over Morocco on this day. Rather than parades and fireworks, Morocco’s Independence Day is a time for proud reflection on the contributions of those who have shaped the country’s past and paved the way for a better future.
Happy Independence Day, Morocco!
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