What to do in Morocco during the holidays: Aïd al-Kébir with the family
The "Great Feast" (or "Eid al-Adha," "Feast of the Ram") is the most important Muslim celebration, celebrated with deep participation throughout Morocco and other Islamic countries. It consists of three days of festivities that involve all local communities, in the cities and even in the Moroccan desert: those traveling during this period can enjoy a unique and authentic experience, perhaps choosing to spend it in close contact with local families.
What to do in Morocco: The Origins of the Great Festival
Eid al-Adha was created to celebrate the famous passage, found in both the Bible and the Quran, in which God asks the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice himself as a sign of his obedience. Abraham, who had decided to sacrifice his son, is stopped by the Archangel Gabriel, as God accepts the sacrifice of a ram in his place. The Great Feast, instituted by the Prophet Muhammad, therefore aims to celebrate this gesture of utmost devotion and submission to divine will.
In addition to moments of celebration and convivial sharing, it is obviously also a time of reflection and prayer for Muslim people, with the aim of strengthening their faith, seeking forgiveness, and making good resolutions.
It is precisely in conjunction with this Great Feast that the famous Pilgrimage to Mecca takes place: those who cannot participate make up for it with the great celebrations that take place in every city or village, starting with the ritual of the mutton, which sees the whole family gather around the table.
Much like our Christmas holidays, during Eid al-Adha in Morocco, people dress up in traditional Moroccan clothing, spend a lot of time together, give gifts to children, and eat with family, enjoying all the traditional dishes.
What to see in Morocco: Eid al-Adha with the family
The duration of the holiday can vary from country to country and does not have a fixed date, similar to other Muslim holidays: in 2024, Eid al-Adha in Morocco will be held on June 16 and 17, but activities will stop for 3 days to allow for family celebrations.
Travelers who love local culture might consider traveling to Essaouira during the "Grande Fête" (Great Festival) and spending a day with a local Berber family. In these parts, hospitality is a shared tradition, experienced at any time of year, but during such an important event, it takes on a deeper meaning, allowing Moroccan families to share a moment of deep significance with the locals.
In the days leading up to the holiday, families begin tidying up their homes, buying food and ingredients for the meals they'll prepare, and perhaps some new clothes to wear during the holidays, as well as gifts for the little ones. On the holiday, families gather in mosques or open spaces for morning prayer, then return home to take part in the mutton ritual and share food with their families and even with the poorest members of the family.
Imagine seeing women busy preparing meals, while children play in the yard, surrounded by scurrying chickens: you might even find yourself playing the weekly game in the sand, or running around dragging a string with a rattling empty sardine can attached to it. An atmosphere of times gone by, where outdoor life is always imbued with bubbling creativity, inventing new games with simple objects that are always full of magic in the eyes of a child.
Experience Aïd-al-Kébir at Ranch Diabat Essaouira
During the Sheep Festival, Ranch De Diabat will be closed only on the morning of the first day, opening at 3:00 PM to continue its activities. Erika can help you plan a festive day spent with a Berber family, for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
If you have a few days to spend in Essaouira, don't miss some of the activities we've discussed in this article:
10 family activities in Essaouira
NB: Even in Berber villages, the ritual of animal sacrifice continues today, so it's important to understand that this is a sensitive moment that could offend some. If you're worried about being exposed to this moment, we recommend only attending the subsequent family celebrations. Discovering authentic Morocco is an unforgettable experience; seize this opportunity to learn about the traditions and culture of this splendid country.
Milena Marchioni
