What Is Eid? A Simple Guide to Eid and How Morocco Celebrates It

If you are planning a trip to Morocco, you will probably hear the word Eid. Shops close, families travel across the country, new clothes appear in the streets, and the smell of sweets or grilled meat fills the air. But what is Eid exactly? Why are there two Eids? And what does it mean for travelers?

We cover everything: the meaning of Eid, the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, how Moroccans celebrate each one, the special foods, greetings, unique local traditions, expected dates, and practical tips for traveling in Morocco during Eid. Our team lives these celebrations every year, so we also share what it is really like to be in Morocco on these special days, beyond what you read in books.

What Is Eid? Quick Answer

Question	Answer
What does “Eid” mean?	“Festival” or “celebration” in Arabic
How many main Eids are there?	Two: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr	The “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, at the end of Ramadan
Eid al-Adha	The “Festival of Sacrifice”, about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr
Names in Morocco	Eid al-Fitr = “l-Eid s-Sghir” (the small Eid); Eid al-Adha = “l-Eid l-Kbir” (the big Eid)
Why do the dates change?	They follow the Islamic lunar calendar, about 11 days earlier each year
Who decides the date in Morocco?	The Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs, after the official moon sighting
Public holiday?	Yes, both Eids are public holidays in Morocco
Greeting	“Eid Mubarak” or, in Moroccan Darija, “Eid mbarek said”

10 Essential Facts About Eid in Morocco

1. There are two main Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
2. Moroccans call them the “small” and the “big” Eid: l-Eid s-Sghir and l-Eid l-Kbir.
3. The moon decides the date: Morocco announces Eid after the official crescent sighting.
4. Morocco often celebrates a day after Saudi Arabia, because of its own moon sighting.
5. Eid begins with a prayer in mosques or large open-air prayer grounds.
6. Charity is part of Eid: zakat al-fitr before Eid al-Fitr and sharing meat on Eid al-Adha.
7. Sweets rule Eid al-Fitr: gazelle horns, ghriba and fekkas fill every home.
8. Liver skewers start Eid al-Adha: boulfaf is the traditional first meal after the sacrifice.
9. The King leads the celebrations as Commander of the Faithful, attending the Eid prayer and performing the sacrifice.
10. Millions travel home: Eid is the busiest travel time of the year in Morocco.

The Meaning of Eid

The word Eid (عيد) means “festival” or “feast” in Arabic. In Islam, the two main Eids are the most important celebrations of the year. They are days of prayer, gratitude, family, generosity and joy. On both Eids, Muslims begin the day with a special prayer, wear their best clothes, visit relatives, share food and give to people in need.

Both Eids are connected to major acts of worship: Eid al-Fitr comes after a month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha comes during the season of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. In Morocco, a country where Islam is the state religion, these days are celebrated by the whole society. Read more in Is Morocco a Muslim country?.

An Eid Morning in a Moroccan Home

To understand Eid, imagine an Eid morning in a Moroccan family. The night before, the house is cleaned from top to bottom, children try on their new clothes, and the kitchen smells of almonds, butter and orange blossom water. At dawn, the father and sons put on white or cream djellabas and yellow babouches, and walk with neighbors to the msalla, often chanting “Allahu akbar” softly along the way.

After the prayer, everyone hugs and says “Eid mbarek”. Back home, the mother and daughters have prepared a huge breakfast tray: msemen, baghrir, honey, butter, cookies, olives and endless glasses of mint tea. Then the visits begin: grandparents first, then uncles, aunts, cousins and neighbors. Children collect coins and sweets in every house. By the afternoon, the streets are full of families in their best clothes, and cafés overflow with friends wishing each other a blessed Eid.

Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast

What Is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. After 29 or 30 days of fasting, Eid al-Fitr is a day of happiness, thanks and sweets. In Morocco, it is often called l-Eid s-Sghir, “the small Eid”, because it usually lasts a shorter time than Eid al-Adha. Read our guide to Ramadan in Morocco.

How Moroccans Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

• Waiting for the moon: on the last evening of Ramadan, families wait for the official announcement on TV that the new moon has been seen.
• Zakat al-Fitr: before the Eid prayer, every family gives a small charity, traditionally in food or money, so that poor families can also celebrate.
• The Eid prayer: in the morning, men, women and children go to the mosque or to a large open-air prayer ground called the msalla.
• New clothes: children and adults wear new or traditional clothes like djellabas, kaftans and babouches.
• A sweet breakfast: after a month of fasting, the first daytime breakfast is a feast of msemen, baghrir, sweets and mint tea.
• Family visits: people visit parents, grandparents, relatives and neighbors all day long.
• Gifts for children: kids often receive small amounts of money or presents.

Sweets of Eid al-Fitr

Days before Eid, Moroccan kitchens are busy preparing traditional cookies. Some favorites are kaab el ghzal (gazelle horns filled with almond paste), ghriba (crumbly almond or coconut cookies), fekkas (crunchy biscuits with almonds and raisins) and chebakia (sesame and honey flowers, also very popular during Ramadan). Families exchange trays of sweets with neighbors and guests. In the days before Eid, you will also see long lines at the public ovens and bakeries in the medinas, where families bring their trays of cookies to be baked. It is one of the most charming scenes of the end of Ramadan, and the sweet smell fills entire neighborhoods.

Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice

What Is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is the biggest celebration of the Islamic year. It falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, during the Hajj pilgrimage. It remembers the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. In Morocco, it is called l-Eid l-Kbir, “the big Eid”.

How Moroccans Celebrate Eid al-Adha

• Buying the sheep: in the weeks before Eid, special livestock markets appear in every city and village, and families choose their sheep carefully.
• Sheep in the city: it is common to see sheep on rooftops, balconies and in courtyards for a few days before Eid.
• The Eid prayer: on the morning of Eid, people go to the mosque or msalla.
• The sacrifice: after the prayer, families sacrifice their sheep, often with the help of a butcher. The King performs a symbolic sacrifice on behalf of the nation.
• Sharing the meat: traditionally, the meat is shared between the family, relatives, neighbors and people in need.
• Feasting for days: Eid al-Adha is celebrated over several days, with different dishes each day.

The Food of Eid al-Adha

Each day of Eid al-Adha has its own traditional dishes in Moroccan homes:

Day	Typical dishes
Day 1	Boulfaf: grilled liver skewers wrapped in caul fat, served with mint tea; organ dishes
Day 2	Steamed sheep’s head with cumin and salt, or tagines with meat
Following days	Tagines, couscous with meat, grilled chops and brochettes
After Eid	Khlii: preserved dried meat cooked in fat, used for months in eggs and other dishes

The Story Behind Eid al-Adha

The story of Eid al-Adha is shared, in different forms, by Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the Islamic tradition, the Prophet Ibrahim saw in a dream that God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. Both father and son accepted God’s command with faith. At the last moment, God stopped Ibrahim and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. The story teaches trust in God, obedience, and the value of sacrifice and generosity, which is why sharing the meat with relatives, neighbors and the poor is such an important part of the celebration.

Eid al-Adha also takes place during the Hajj, the great pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim who is able should perform once in a lifetime. The day before Eid, called the Day of Arafah, pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to pray, and many Muslims around the world fast on that day. Every year, thousands of Moroccans travel to Mecca for Hajj, and families organize celebrations when they return.

A Special Note: Eid al-Adha and the Drought

In 2025, after several consecutive years of severe drought that greatly reduced Morocco’s sheep and cattle herds, King Mohammed VI, as Commander of the Faithful, asked Moroccans to refrain from performing the sheep sacrifice that year, and performed it symbolically on behalf of the nation. His father, King Hassan II, had made similar decisions in the past during difficult times. Families still celebrated Eid with prayers, family gatherings and smaller meat dishes. This shows that Eid is not only about the sacrifice, but also about faith, solidarity and caring for the community. Many Moroccans said that the decision reminded them of the deeper meaning of the festival: sharing, patience and thinking of those who have less.

Eid Clothes: What Moroccans Wear

Eid is the day to wear your most beautiful clothes, and in Morocco, many people choose traditional outfits:

• For men: a light djellaba or a gandoura, often white or cream, with yellow or white babouche slippers. Boys wear small versions or a jabador, a tunic with matching trousers.
• For women: elegant djellabas, kaftans or takchitas in rich colors, with embroidery, plus henna on the hands for many girls and women.
• For children: new clothes are a must, and kids proudly show them to neighbors and relatives.

Before Eid, tailors and clothing shops in the medinas work day and night. It is a great time to see traditional Moroccan fashion. Read more about the Moroccan kaftan.

The Sheep Markets Before Eid al-Adha

In the two or three weeks before Eid al-Adha, temporary sheep markets appear on the edges of every Moroccan city. Families visit them together, examining the sheep’s horns, teeth and wool, and bargaining hard with the sellers. The most famous breeds, like the Sardi sheep with its distinctive face markings, are especially prized. Then comes the funny and very Moroccan sight of sheep traveling home in taxis, on motorbikes and in car trunks. For visitors, these markets are a lively and fascinating scene of Moroccan life, but stay respectful and ask before taking photos.

Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha

	Eid al-Fitr	Eid al-Adha
Meaning	Festival of Breaking the Fast	Festival of Sacrifice
Name in Morocco	l-Eid s-Sghir (small Eid)	l-Eid l-Kbir (big Eid)
When	1 Shawwal, after Ramadan	10 Dhul Hijjah, during Hajj
Main ritual	Eid prayer and zakat al-fitr	Eid prayer and animal sacrifice
Food	Sweets, pastries, festive breakfast	Lamb dishes, liver skewers, tagines
Length of public holiday	Usually 1 to 2 days	Usually 2 days, celebrations last longer

Expected Eid Dates

Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, Eid moves about 11 days earlier every year in the Western calendar. Morocco announces the official date after the moon sighting, and its date is sometimes one day later than in Saudi Arabia or other countries. Here are the expected dates for the coming year (subject to official confirmation):

Event	Expected date in Morocco
Start of Ramadan	Around 8 February 2027
Eid al-Fitr	Around 10 March 2027
Eid al-Adha	Around 16 or 17 May 2027

Always check the official announcement close to the date, especially if you plan to travel. In Morocco, the announcement is usually made on the evening before Eid, after the moon sighting, so families and travelers sometimes only know the exact day a few hours in advance.

How Is Eid in Morocco Different From Other Countries?

Eid is celebrated by nearly two billion Muslims around the world, and every country adds its own flavor. In Indonesia and Malaysia, families ask each other for forgiveness and eat special rice cakes. In Turkey, people kiss the hands of elders and give sweets. In the Gulf countries, families wear new clothes and children receive money called “eidiya”.

Morocco has its own unique character. The celebrations combine Islamic traditions with Amazigh, Arab and Andalusian customs: the gazelle horn cookies and mint tea of Eid al-Fitr, the boulfaf liver skewers of Eid al-Adha, the Boujloud carnival of the Souss, and the strong role of the King as Commander of the Faithful. The Moroccan moon sighting also means that Eid sometimes falls one day later than in the Middle East, which makes Moroccan families living abroad celebrate on different days from their neighbors.

Eid Through the Eyes of Moroccan Children

For Moroccan children, Eid is the best time of the year. They wear new clothes, visit every relative in the family and collect coins and sweets in each house. During Eid al-Fitr, the trays of cookies seem endless. During Eid al-Adha, children often play with the family sheep for a few days and proudly show it to their friends. After Eid, they buy toys with the money they received. If you travel with kids, they will quickly make friends with local children in their Eid clothes, and it can be a lovely cultural experience for the whole family.

Eid Greetings in Morocco

Greeting	Meaning	When to use it
Eid Mubarak	Blessed Eid	Universal greeting
Eid mbarek said	Blessed and happy Eid	The Moroccan Darija greeting
Mbrouk l-Eid	Congratulations on Eid	Common in Morocco
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum	May God accept from us and from you	Formal religious greeting

Even as a visitor, saying “Eid mbarek” to your hosts, driver, guide or shopkeeper will always make people smile warmly.

Other Islamic Celebrations in Morocco

Besides the two Eids, Moroccans celebrate other important religious days during the year:

Eid al-Mawlid: The Prophet’s Birthday

Eid al-Mawlid celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and is a public holiday in Morocco. Families gather for a special meal, mosques and Sufi lodges (zawiyas) hold gatherings with religious songs, and some towns organize traditional festivals. In Salé, near Rabat, the famous candle procession takes place on the eve of Mawlid, with huge colorful wax lanterns carried through the streets.

Islamic New Year

The first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is also a public holiday. It is a calm day of reflection and family.

Ashura

Ten days after the Islamic New Year, Moroccans celebrate Ashura. It is not a public holiday, but it is a joyful day for children: they receive toys and drums, families buy dried fruits and nuts, and in many cities there is a playful tradition of splashing water on each other in the street. Many people also pay their annual zakat (charity) around this time.

Boujloud: The Amazigh Carnival After Eid al-Adha

One of the most unusual Eid traditions in Morocco happens in the Souss region and around Agadir, as well as in some Atlas villages. In the days after Eid al-Adha, young men dress in the skins of the sacrificed sheep and goats, wear masks and dance through the streets in a carnival called Boujloud or Bilmawen, which means “the man with skins”. With music, drums and humor, they chase children and collect small gifts. This tradition has Amazigh roots that are much older than many other customs, and it has become a popular local festival.

Eid in the Desert and the Mountains

Eid feels different outside the big cities. In the Atlas villages and the oases of the south, the whole village often prays together in the open air, and neighbors share food and help each other with the preparations. In the desert near Merzouga, where our team lives, nomad families celebrate with simple but generous meals, tea and visits between tents. If you are on a desert tour during Eid, you may be invited to share a glass of tea or a piece of meat, a pretty and authentic moment of Moroccan hospitality.

Eid Etiquette for Visitors

• Greet people with “Eid mbarek” or “Eid Mubarak”.
• Dress modestly, especially near mosques and in residential areas.
• If invited, bring a small gift like a box of pastries or tea and sugar.
• Accept food and tea with your right hand and thank your hosts.
• Ask before taking photos, especially of families and children in their Eid clothes.
• Be discreet with photos of the sacrifice; it is a religious moment for families.
• Tip kindly: many workers are away from their families during Eid, so a small extra tip is appreciated.

Learn more about local culture in our guide to Moroccan people.

Traveling in Morocco During Eid

What Changes?

• Shops and offices close for one to three days, especially on the first day.
• Transport is very busy before and after Eid, as millions of people travel to their families. Trains and buses are often full.
• Cities feel quiet on the morning of Eid, then lively with family visits in the afternoon and evening.
• Taxis may be harder to find, and some drivers take time off.
• Restaurants in the medina may close, while hotel restaurants usually stay open.

What Stays Open?

Hotels, riads, many tourist restaurants and organized tours usually continue normally. Major monuments may have reduced hours. Desert camps and private tours run as usual, and many travelers find Eid a wonderful time to see Moroccan family life. Your guide or driver may even invite you to greet his family or share a glass of tea, a moment you will remember long after your trip.

Tips for Travelers

• Book transport early if you travel around Eid.
• Stock up on cash before Eid, as some exchange offices close.
• Plan your days knowing that many shops and souks will be closed on the first day.
• Be respectful during the morning prayer and in residential areas.
• During Eid al-Adha, be aware that you may see sheep and sacrifices in streets and courtyards; sensitive travelers may prefer to stay in the hotel on the first morning.
• Accept invitations: if a Moroccan family invites you for Eid tea or a meal, it is a great honor.

How Eid Affects Transport and Prices

What	Before Eid	During Eid	After Eid
Trains and buses	Very busy, often full	Quieter on the first day	Very busy again
Shops and souks	Very busy, lots of shopping	Mostly closed on day 1	Gradually reopen
Taxis	Busy	Fewer available	Back to normal
Hotels and riads	Normal	Open	Open
Meat and sheep prices	Rise before Eid al-Adha	—	Fall again

If you travel by train around Eid, book your tickets as early as possible. Read our guide to traveling by train in Morocco, and make sure you have enough cash, as some exchange offices close. See our guide to the Moroccan dirham.

Should You Plan Your Trip Around Eid?

It depends on what you want. If you love culture and want to see Moroccan family traditions, being in Morocco during Eid can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have a local guide who can explain what you see. If your priority is shopping in the souks or visiting many museums, avoid the first days of Eid, when many places close. For a smooth trip, many travelers spend the first day of Eid in the desert, the mountains or a relaxing riad, then continue sightseeing once the cities reopen. Read our guides to traveling in Morocco during Ramadan and the best time to visit Morocco.

Common Questions Travelers Ask About Eid

Myth	Fact
Everything is closed during Eid	Hotels, tours and many tourist services stay open
Tourists cannot travel during Eid	You can travel, but book transport early
Eid is only for Muslims to enjoy	Visitors are welcome to share the joy and greet people
Eid is on the same day every year	It moves about 11 days earlier each year
There is only one Eid	There are two main Eids

Quick Cheat Sheet: What Is Eid?

• Eid means festival
• Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan: sweets, prayer, family
• Eid al-Adha remembers Ibrahim’s sacrifice: sheep, feast, sharing
• In Morocco: small Eid and big Eid
• Dates follow the moon and move each year
• Say “Eid mbarek said”
• Travel tip: book transport early

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, what is Eid? It is the heart of the Muslim year: two great festivals of faith, family, generosity and joy. In Morocco, Eid al-Fitr fills homes with sweets and laughter after Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha brings families together around prayer and shared meals. If your trip falls during Eid, plan ahead, greet people with “Eid mbarek”, and enjoy the chance to see Moroccan traditions at their warmest.

Traveling to Morocco around Eid? Contact us and we will plan your transport and tours around the holiday, so you can enjoy the celebrations without stress.

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Explore our Morocco trips:

Tours from Marrakech: Spend Eid in Marrakech and feel the festive atmosphere of the medina, then cross the High Atlas to the kasbahs and the Sahara with a private driver who knows how to plan around the holidays.

Morocco Desert Tours: In the desert, Eid is celebrated with nomad families, tea and simple feasts. Join a camel ride and a night under the stars, a peaceful way to experience the holiday.

Tours from Fes: See the spiritual capital of Morocco during Eid, when families in new djellabas fill the streets of the old medina, then travel to the dunes of Merzouga.

Tours from Ouarzazate: Discover how Eid is celebrated in the villages of the south, among kasbahs and palm groves, before heading to the Dades and Todra gorges and the desert.

Tours from Tangier: Start your trip in the north, where Eid brings families together in Tangier, Tetouan and Chefchaouen, then continue south to Fes and the Sahara.

Tours from Casablanca: Land in Casablanca, see the Hassan II Mosque, and let us plan a route that avoids holiday traffic and shows you the warmth of Moroccan hospitality during Eid.

Contact us