King Mohammed V returns from exile.

The North African nation of Morocco celebrates its independence from France and Spain with Eid Al Istiqlal, festival of freedom, on November 18 each year.

The date commemorates the day King Muhammad V (Sultan of Morocco) returned from exile in 1956. France granted Morocco its independence on March 2, 1956 and Spain granted independence of its regions on April 7 of the same year.

A national holiday in Morocco, Eid Al Istiqlal is observed with a grand reception at the imperial palace, colorful parades, and street vendors selling traditional food.