Moroccan Etiquette

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The friendliness of Moroccans is a constant in their culture. Whether it be a stranger on the street, walking around the shops, or in our hotels, they always seem to try to start a conversation with you. No other place in the world have I experienced so many people who want to invite you in for tea or chat with you on the street. Walking around and seeing Moroccans interact with each other, they all seem like friends or acquaintances. They are always smiling and talking to each other. Take Naima, our guide in Casablanca, for example. She made friends on every street we went on. She was constantly striking up conversations with strangers and they would do the same with her. For instance, the man who was telling her/us about his sister in Florida and going to see her, and then invited us in for tea. She was frequently disappearing and we would spot her off somewhere talking to someone different almost every time. Just like her, I have seen so many Moroccans strike up conversations with strangers and with us and have even invited us in for tea, as complete strangers. This level of interaction and hospitality is unlike anything I have ever experienced and is shocking to those who are not expecting it, especially coming from the US and some other less friendly nations. The Moroccan people are known globally for these traits and how  they "will share with strangers their home, their food, and their possessions without hesitation". This is not the same for all Middle Eastern and North African countries, as my experience in my dad’s home town in Algeria has shown me. Moroccans are truly one of a kind when it comes to this aspect of their culture. However, there are some issues with inviting strangers into your home as there are safety concerns at play as we all can imagine. Additionally, to foreigners it can be seen as pushy or uncomfortable because we are unsure of strangers and being invited into strangers homes. Regardless, Moroccans display to the world a lot of the cultural traits of MENA countries in their hospitality and care and especially how it is displayed through means of food and dining together.
 
Photo taken at the bartenders' request in Kenitra

Dardar, J. (2020, December 5). Lifestyle: 8 habits and customs every Moroccan understands. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/12/327877/lifestyle-8-habits-and-customs-every-moroccan-understands 





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