Eid Al Fitr Celebrations Set for March 20, 2026 in Morocco
Morocco is gearing up for a joyous celebration of Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The announcement was made on Thursday evening, following the sighting of the crescent moon by the moon-sighting committee, indicating the commencement of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This significant day marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide.
This year, Moroccans will have completed 29 days of fasting during Ramadan, which began on February 19. Interestingly, this aligns with the lunar calendar, despite some discrepancies noted by astronomers. Notably, Moroccan astronomer Ibrahim Akhyam had projected that Eid Al Fitr would likely occur on March 21, a prediction that did not hold true as the official announcement confirmed the earlier date.
Many neighboring countries, including those in the Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, will also celebrate Eid Al Fitr on the same day, March 20, highlighting a unified observance among the Islamic community. The day itself is marked by communal prayers held in mosques, where families come together to celebrate after a month of fasting.
Traditionally, the festive morning begins with a special breakfast, breaking the fast with various delectable dishes. In Morocco, sweet treats are a highlight during this celebratory meal, alongside other beloved dishes such as msmen, a type of flatbread, and baghrir, commonly referred to as Moroccan pancakes. The atmosphere is further enriched as children don new clothing and receive gifts from their parents and relatives, embodying the spirit of joy and gratitude that defines this special occasion.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.