A canon is fired in the medina to mark the time of the the breaking of their fast for the day. The boom can be heard throughout the whole town. At that time those observing the fast are allowed to eat and drink. Silence reigns in the empty streets for about an hour afterwards, during which time a tourist would be safest to stay indoors. 

The Moroccan Arabic word ftour (f-TOOR) is the equivalent of the English word “breakfast” (breaking the fast). Typically, in Morocco, they begin by drinking some water and then eating dates and milk. Once that has had time to settle, they go for something a little more substantial – harira (Moroccan soup that I’ve been told has Berber origins), breads, and sweets.

This is leisure time when one relaxes until the big meal of the night. Many families choose to do things together. They take a walk down the boulevard, go shopping, go to the local park, or sit around at home. Some men will head straight to the café to slowly sip on an espresso and watch a football match.

This is the time of the major meal of the night. While the ftour consists of various breads, sweets, juices, soup, and delicacies, the big meal is a serious dish. It is usually some sort of tagine with beef or chicken that will stay with them for the long haul. After this meal the family usually stays inside either to watch tv, play cards, or sleep until next meal.

About this time a flute player or a drummer will parade up and down the streets outside the homes playing their instrument to awaken and alert the population to eat one last time before sunrise. This is usually a much lighter meal, usually traditional Moroccan breakfast fare. Getting a little shuteye would obviously then be high priority before beginning the day’s labors.

School and foreign businesses typically begin to open.

Local businesses begin to open. The long wait begins for sunset and the ftour.