The Green March is a Moroccan holiday celebrated on November 6th. 40 years ago in 1975, a mass demonstration was organized by the Moroccan government (under Hassan II) to push Spain to hand over a disputed area of the Sahara.
It is said that over 350,000 unarmed Moroccans from all areas of Morocco were escorted several miles into the disputed Sahara territory. Upon signal, they proudly flew their Moroccan flags, sang and peacefully awaited results from the diplomatic discussions.
The outcome was complicated. Spain was in a political crisis. They decided to hand over the Spanish Sahara to Mauritania and Morocco. Other native populations also claim to have some rights to this land. This is still an unresolved dispute, however Morocco is the de facto ruler of this territory. The March symbolizes and represents this feat.
Students dressed up as different Berber (native North Africans) tribes from Morocco and people from the Sahara.
Students overloaded on the truck as they did during the Green March.
Large picture of current king (Mohammed VI). His father Hassan II was the king during the Green March.
Moroccan pride!!
Parades throughout Morocco
Marching band where you will find many girls marching as well as boys.
Food given to the marchers.
Pictures from 40 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5TDgPslbGU
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