Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Morocco
In Morocco, Eid al-Adha is a religious holiday observed on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The public holiday lasts two days for staff covered by the national rules for public administrations, public institutions and concessioned services.[1][3]
Date and place in the calendar
Morocco’s official holiday listing places Eid al-Adha on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the corresponding Gregorian date changes from year to year; the Moroccan authorities announce the date after the relevant lunar month is determined.[1]
Meaning in Morocco
The holiday recalls the account of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. In an official Eid prayer report, a Moroccan imam connected the story with the values of sacrifice, selflessness and generosity.[2]
Morocco’s royal message on the holiday also describes it as a time for religious observance and for strengthening family and social ties. It encourages prayer, charitable giving and meeting with relatives as part of the celebration.[2]
Prayer and observance
Eid prayer is a central public observance. Moroccan official reports describe the prayer taking place in a mosque, while the royal message refers to prayers in mosques and musallas, or open-air prayer spaces.[2]
The sacrifice rite is associated with Eid al-Adha, but it should not be presented as a practice followed by every household. In a royal message carried by the Moroccan government, people were invited to maintain the holiday’s prayers, charity and family visits even when asked to refrain from performing the sacrifice in that particular year.[2]
Public holiday and practical effects
Morocco’s decree on public holidays provides paid leave for Eid al-Adha on 10 and 11 Dhu al-Hijjah for employees of public administrations, public institutions and concessioned services. The government ministry’s holiday table likewise lists two days for Eid al-Adha.[3][4]
The decree establishes the closure entitlement for the listed public bodies; it does not establish that every shop, bank or private workplace closes. Travelers and residents should check directly with individual businesses and transport operators for holiday hours and schedules.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
It is observed on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. Its Gregorian date changes each year with the Islamic lunar calendar.[1]
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Morocco?
Yes. The decree provides paid leave on 10 and 11 Dhu al-Hijjah for staff in public administrations, public institutions and concessioned services.[3]
Are shops and banks closed?
The public holiday decree cited here covers public administrations, public institutions and concessioned services. It does not specify the opening hours of every shop or bank, so check with the business directly.[3]
What do people do for Eid al-Adha in Morocco?
Official Moroccan sources describe Eid prayer, charitable giving and visits with relatives among the observances. The sacrifice rite is also associated with the holiday, though an official royal message shows that observance of the rite may be addressed separately from the holiday itself.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Morocco:
- National and religious holidays and their meanings- Maroc.ma, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Message de SM le Roi, Amir Al Mouminine, que Dieu Le glorifie, adressé à Son peuple fidèle au sujet de l’abstention d’accomplir le rite du sacrifice de l’Aïd- Maroc.ma, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication
- Décret n° 2-77-169 du 9 rebia I 1397 (28 février 1977) fixant la liste des jours fériés chômés dans les administrations publiques, établissements publics et services concédés.- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Kingdom of Morocco
- Horaires de travail et jours fériés- Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Kingdom of Morocco