On November 6, 2025, Morocco commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Green March, the historic peaceful march in 1975 when some 350,000 Moroccan civilians entered the then-Spanish-controlled Western Sahara region to assert Morocco’s claim.
In cities across the Southern Provinces—especially in Laâyoune—streets were adorned with Moroccan flags, LED installations, and special lighting programs that turned boulevards into displays of national unity and pride.
Celebrations and Symbolism
The anniversary was marked by parades, exhibitions, and official ceremonies that blended history with modern spectacle. Authorities installed over 170 lighting structures in Laâyoune alone, aiming to make the occasion visible and memorable.
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More than just a festive evening, the anniversary pointed to Morocco’s evolving narrative around the region: development, sovereignty, and identity. As one editorial put it, the event invites “reflection on one of the most extraordinary and unifying moments in the country’s modern history.”
Context and Significance
In 1975, the late King Hassan II declared that Morocco would undertake a peaceful march to reclaim the Sahara. At the time, Spain was preparing to withdraw from the territory, and the marchers—unarmed and bearing flags and Qur’ans—became a potent symbol of national will.
Today, the anniversary carries both domestic and international resonance. It coincides with diplomatic milestones, including renewed support from global actors for Morocco’s plan of autonomy for the region.
Looking Ahead
As Morocco marks half a century since that bold march, questions remain about how the legacy will shape the future: investment in the region, the lives of its people, and the narrative of national unity. The celebrations served not only to honor the past, but to set an ambitious tone for what comes next.
