There are two holidays in Islam: Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. The first marks the end of a month of fasting in Ramadan, and the second commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Abraham to obey God and sacrifice his son. Congregational Eid prayers are held on both days.

Islamic holidays in Morocco are noticeably low-key compared to highly-commercialized holidays such as Christmas and Easter. In Morocco it’s acceptable to present small gifts or pocket money to children on Eid, but gift-giving isn’t the holiday’s focus nor is it the norm in every family.

Wealthier Muslim countries and Muslims in the West might hold community-wide fairs and special events to celebrate Eid, but in Morocco the holidays tend to be observed more quietly and privately, with many families following an Eid tradition of buying new clothes for children, preparing sweets and special meals, and paying visits to family.

Other Religious Holidays in Morocco

Some Moroccans celebrate other significant days, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or the Islamic New Year, but observing them as holidays is not part of the original teachings and traditions of Islam.