Eid al-Fitr in Morocco
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and begins on 1 Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Morocco recognizes it as a religious holiday, with two days off for public administrations and paid holiday status for listed agricultural and non-agricultural activities.[1][2][3][4]
Meaning and date
Eid al-Fitr means the Feast of Breaking the Fast. It follows Ramadan, the month of fasting, and falls at the start of Shawwal; because the Islamic calendar is lunar, its Gregorian date shifts from year to year.[1]
Morocco’s official holiday list places Eid al-Fitr on the first of Shawwal. The listing identifies it as a religious holiday alongside the Hijri New Year, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Mawlid.[2]
Morocco’s public holiday status
For state administrations and territorial authorities, Morocco’s administration ministry says work is suspended on the Kingdom’s religious and national holidays. Its table lists Eid al-Fitr on 1 Shawwal and specifies two public-holiday days.[3]
A separate decree lists Eid al-Fitr among the official paid holidays for wage-earning work in agricultural and non-agricultural activities. The rule establishes holiday status across those listed sectors; it does not say that every private workplace or service must close.[4]
Prayer, charity and celebration
Across Muslim communities, Eid al-Fitr is associated with a special congregational prayer, charity known as zakat al-fitr, visits and greetings. Check with local people about customs in Morocco.[1]
The available Moroccan official holiday listings confirm the date and legal status, but do not document particular dishes, clothing or regional customs. The thin claims about kaab el ghazal, msemen, new clothes and family travel therefore should not be treated as verified descriptions of Eid in Morocco.[2][3]
Practical planning
Expect state administrations and territorial authorities to suspend work for the two listed holiday days. The decree also gives Eid paid-holiday status in agricultural and non-agricultural wage activities. Check opening hours with individual shops, banks, schools or transport services before you go.[3][4]
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Eid al-Fitr in Morocco?
How many public-holiday days are listed?
Morocco’s administration ministry lists two public-holiday days for Eid al-Fitr for state administrations and territorial authorities.[3]
Is it a paid holiday for private-sector workers?
The decree lists Eid al-Fitr as an official paid holiday for wage-earning work in agricultural and non-agricultural activities.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) in Morocco:
- Eid al-Fitr- The Open University
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco
- Horaires de travail et jours fériés- Ministère de la Transition Numérique et de la Réforme de l'Administration
- مرسوم بتحديد لائحة أيام الأعياد المؤداة عنها الأجور في النشاطات الفلاحية وغير الفلاحية- Ministère de la Justice, Royaume du Maroc