Rabat — Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced today that Eid Al Fitr is on Monday, March 31.
The Islamic Ministry announced the news after religious authorities confirmed that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan, was sighted.
With the crescent moon visible, Eid Al Fitr will be on Monday, and therefore, Moroccans will be enjoying a long weekend, with both Monday and Tuesday off.
The announcement confirms predictions by astronomer Ibrahim Akhyam, who told Morocco World News that the moon will be visible tonight, pending an official confirmation from the ministry.
Eid Al Fitr is another significant religious holiday, when Muslims across the world flock to mosques to perform Eid prayers.
Following Eid prayers, families gather for their first morning breakfast after 29 to 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset every day.
Ftour or breakfast tables in Morocco are typically adorned with different savory and sweet meals, particularly pastries, and Moroccan sable or almond-based cookies.
Moroccans also serve special bread-like dishes like mssmen, a buttery flatbread that is usually served with honey (lessl), cheese, and sometimes amlou, a peanut or almond paste. Baghrir, also known as the Moroccan pancake, is a go-to among Moroccans during Eid.
No ftour is complete without a cup of steaming hot mint tea, which can also have sheeba, or saffron as additional herbs.
Morocco started fasting for Ramadan on March 2, unlike other countries that started the holy month fasting on March 1, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, among other countries.
Beyond the breakfast feast, Eid Al Fitr is special in Morocco for its morning atmosphere. The streets are filled with celebratory greetings like “Mbrook l’ Eid” or “Mbrook A’awashrkom” — just two of many ways that people greet and wish each other happy Eid celebrations.
Children wear new clothes on Eid and line up in the early morning next to their houses’ door to show off their new styles, or maybe brag about their “Eidi” hauls — cash they receive from their relatives on this occasion.
Both Moroccan men and women adorn themselves in new gandoras or djellabas, but the women may also additionally wear beautiful kaftans and takshitas to celebrate Eid in style.
