Also known as Eid el-Kbir, Eid al-Adha is among the most significant and revered holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. Occurring two lunar months after the conclusion of Ramadan, this joyous festival commemorates the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.
This pivotal moment in Islamic theology is reenacted and honoured during Eid al-Adha, which translates to "Festival of the Sacrifice”, with a sheep taking the place of Ishmael. Beyond the deep religious significance, Eid al-Adha is an opportunity for families and communities to gather for large feasts, the exchange of gifts and a general celebration of faith, gratitude and togetherness.
In Morocco, this is no exception and it’s an incredible time to visit the country. Whether you’re staying in a big city or out in the countryside, you’ll experience the religious devotion of Moroccans and their love of having a good time.
But travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha is not without its challenges. In this article, I’ll explain what you can expect and how to plan accordingly.
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha in Morocco
In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, you’ll start seeing sheep for sale everywhere…and I mean everywhere! I remember going shopping at the big supermarket chain Marjane and seeing a pen of sheep outside the front entrance. You’ll see sheep in pick-up trucks, sheep being walked through the streets and sheep in the stairwells of apartments.
When it comes to selecting a sheep, it must be healthy and without any visible ailments, as well as “meaty” around the neck and lower back. The sheep should also be at least one year of age - what we often refer to as “mutton”.
After families purchase their sheep, they’ll take it home to live for a couple of days, either outside their home or on a rooftop terrace. Walking around neighbourhoods in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha, you’ll probably hear a lot of bleating! I remember asking my father-in-law if the sheep got a special “final meal” and he explained that the sheep would be fasting the day before Eid, just as they were.
When the day of Eid al-Adha arrives, it’s time for the sacrifice, which is the slaughter of the sheep. I was nervous about watching this but I felt it was done with the utmost respect for the animal by my father-in-law, who had carried out the task since he was a boy. Some families employ local butchers, who go from door to door performing the halal slaughter according to religious traditions.
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Once the sheep is killed, the women of the household take on the responsibility of cleaning and preparing the animal, with every part of the sheep utilised. My mother-in-law and sisters got to work immediately preparing the various cuts and organs, which would later be transformed into special holiday dishes. It is also common for families to donate a third of their sheep as a charitable act, ensuring that the blessings of the occasion are extended to those in need within the community.
Coming from a world where only select cuts of meat are purchased (usually in plastic wrap at the supermarket and bearing no resemblance to the animal they once were), this was an eye-opening experience. Not only was everyone well aware of where their meal was coming from (and thankful to the sheep that had provided it) but there was no waste - even the skin of the sheep was put aside for use later on.
In Amazigh tradition, the day after Eid al-Adha is Bujlood, a folk celebration during which young men dress up in the pelt of the sheep sacrificed the day before. Complete with masks, they dance around and playfully scare those around them by knocking them on the back with the livestock’s hoofs. In my husband’s neighbourhood, this took place during a big street party with live music and carnival-like festivities.
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Eating your way through Eid al-Adha in Morocco
Much like eating turkey at Thanksgiving or a roast at Christmas, there are certain dishes associated with Eid al-Adha in Morocco. While it differs from family to family, the following is a rough guide as to what you can expect:
The first day begins with the preparation of kebda charmoula and boul fev, which make use of a unique cut of fat found around the sheep's stomach. This is seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic, parsley and coriander, before being grilled on coals. As the day progresses, the feasting continues with the introduction of laa'lawa and kersha, which are made from the sheep's organs and intestine and similarly spiced.
The second day is marked by a couscous feast, with the head and/or feet of the sheep buried within the grains to add richness and depth of flavour. The cheeks and eyes of the sheep are particular delicacies, prized for their tender texture and robust, earthy taste. In the evening, Moroccans often eat shorba, a soup made with the kidneys (and sometimes even the testicles) of the sheep.
On the third and final day of Eid al-Adha, Moroccans eagerly anticipate the preparation of mhammar, a special dish featuring lamb chops. First coated in smen, a pungent butter, they are then marinated in a blend of cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, before being seared, boiled and baked. Also eaten on the final day of Eid is mrrozeya, a unique tajine made from the neck of the sheep, which is slow-cooked with ras-al-hanout spices and finished with a touch of honey, raisins and almonds.
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is undoubtedly one of the most festive times to visit Morocco and is often referred to as “Big Eid” as it’s a three-day event. Moroccans travel long distances to reunite with their loved ones and there’s a palpable sense of warmth in the air. The streets are filled with people exchanging greetings and well-wishes, and families host multi-course meals that bring together several generations under one roof.
To be invited into a Moroccan family's home to partake in this celebratory feast is a truly unforgettable experience, even if you don’t eat meat. I’m a pescatarian but still loved Eid al-Adha, particularly seeing how one animal could be used to feed so many people - no waste here! With lively street parties and parades, particularly in Amazigh communities, you’ll also get to see how Moroccans like to let down their hair!
That being said, there are some things to be aware of if you plan on visiting Morocco during Eid al-Adha. The country's transportation networks are pushed to the brink as families from across the nation and around the world converge on cities and towns to celebrate together. Motorways can become clogged as people make the pilgrimage back home while trains and buses are packed to capacity with travellers.
The congestion is especially bad just before and after the holiday itself with the influx and exodus of people. During the three-day festival, many public transport services are suspended altogether, leaving taxis as one of the few remaining options for getting around. These can be scarce and difficult to find as demand soars. Added to that, many restaurants and stores will shut completely, so finding a place to eat outside of your hotel or riad can be challenging.
Travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha
Keeping all of this in mind, it’s best to select a town or city to experience Eid al-Adha and then stay there for the duration of the festival. In larger cities, you’re more likely to find restaurants and other services that remain open, catering to the needs of tourists. Check with your hotel or riad ahead of time if they are providing meals and stock up on snacks in the lead-up so you don’t get caught out during the shutdowns.
Despite the logistical headaches, Eid el-Adha remains a great time to visit Morocco and experience communities coming together. It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's rich cultural traditions while gaining a deeper appreciation for its familial and religious bonds.
To help you plan a trip to Morocco during Eid al-Adha, I’ve listed the rough dates of the holy month for the coming years. Remember that the exact dates aren’t decided until much closer to the time with the sighting of the new moon.
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