RABAT: July 30 is a great feast day in Morocco. In Arabic it is called “Eid-Al-Arch” and this year is the tenth anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. Before becoming King, he held the title of Crown Prince. He is the 18th King of the Alaouite Dynasty, which has reigned in Morocco since 1659. According to the Moroccan Constitution, the king is the amir al-mumineen, or religious chief.
Every year a colorful feast is held on the day of the king’s accession. Festivities are held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country. Members of the royal family, the prime minister, governors, officials, diplomats, politicians and nobles gather in large numbers in renewal of their submission and loyalty to Mohammad VI.
A number of guests from neighboring Arab and African countries also attend. The national anthem is sung. There are military parades and the flag is ceremonially raised. Scholars and speakers deliver speeches, recalling the events of the past year and setting out the prospects for the year to come; they conclude by asking God’s blessing on the king, the people and the country.
Moroccans on this day pledge to serve their country and their king and to respect the sovereignty of the state.
