Green March Day is celebrated annually in Morocco on November 6th to honour one of the most defining moments in the nation’s modern history.
The event commemorates the 1975 Green March, when about 350,000 unarmed Moroccans marched peacefully toward Western Sahara.
Carrying Moroccan flags, Qur’ans, and portraits of King Hassan II, the marchers demanded the end of Spanish colonial rule.
The movement’s name derives from the colour green, symbolising Islam and peace.
Spain had occupied the region since 1884, despite Morocco’s long-standing claims over its southern provinces.
Earlier in October 1975, the International Court of Justice confirmed the existence of historical ties between the Sahrawi tribes and Morocco.
Following the verdict, King Hassan II called upon the nation to unite for a peaceful demonstration of sovereignty.
On November 6th, citizens from across Morocco gathered in Tarfaya and advanced toward the Sahara, displaying unprecedented national solidarity.
Remarkably, the march was conducted without violence, as Spanish troops avoided confrontation amid political uncertainty in Madrid.
Just a few days later, on November 14th 1975, Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania signed the Madrid Agreement, transferring administrative control of Western Sahara.
The Green March came to symbolise Morocco’s territorial integrity, unity, and national pride.
Today, ceremonies, parades, and speeches across the country renew the spirit of that peaceful mobilisation.
The Green March remains a key moment in Moroccan history, celebrating both patriotism and diplomacy over conflict.
