Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced Wednesday, April 10 as Eid Al Fitr 2024.
The ministry announced the official date for Eid Al Fitr following a moon sighting by a religious committee on Tuesday.
According to moon sighting results, the committee sighted the crescent for the month of Shawaal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.
The confirmation, therefore, means that Wednesday marks Eid Al Fitr in Morocco, where Ramadan lasted this year for 29 days.
Many other countries confirmed Wednesday as Eid Al Fitr, including Saudi Arabia. Ramadan lasted 30 days in the Gulf country, as the first day of the holy month was observed on March 11.
Eid Al Fitr is a holiday in Morocco as well as in all Arab countries, where customs and traditions differ to celebrate the feast.
In Morocco, celebrations start with morning prayers across the country’s mosques—which gather millions of Moroccans adorned in different traditional clothes, such as jellabas.
Following prayers, Moroccans enjoy a rich morning breakfast – with tables featuring sweets, juices, milk, and notably Morocco’s famous mint tea.
Moroccans serve msmen (flat bread), Moroccan pastries, as well as different shapes of cakes.
In the afternoon, families either enjoy their first lunch following a month-long fasting at home or share lunch with their relatives.
Food served during Eid differs from one house to another. While some choose to serve the ordinary couscous with seven vegetables, others choose to cook special dishes such as “tefaya,” which is couscous with caramelized onions, and “djaj mhmer” which is grilled chicken with spices and a famous savory sauce called “deghmira.”
During Eid Al Fitr, children also wear new clothes and receive gifts, especially money from their relatives.
