The Moroccan government has announced an exceptional public holiday on Friday, May 22, 2026, ahead of the Eid Al Adha festival.
It is worth noting that the North African country is predominantly Muslim, with about 99% of its population identifying with the religion.
According to a report by Yabiladi, authorities stated during a press briefing on Friday, May 22, that the decision to grant an additional public holiday for Eid Al Adha will apply to both public administrations and local government institutions.
The announcement of the exceptional public holiday was made on Friday, May 22, by the Head of Government Department, who stated that the decision was taken in line with Article 3 of Decree No. 2-05-916 issued on July 20, 2005.
The decision comes after the Eid Al Adha celebration, which is expected to take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 in the Islamic calendar. Reports indicate that Morocco will observe Eid Al Adha on May 27, while Thursday, May 28, has also been designated as a public holiday.
Granting an additional public holiday during Eid Al Adha is a common practice in Morocco, particularly when the festival falls close to a weekend.
The move is intended to give citizens extra time to travel, reunite with family, and celebrate the occasion more comfortably, especially for those returning to their hometowns.
The extended holiday period also allows families more time and freedom to celebrate together.
The government’s decision to declare several work-free days has been welcomed with excitement and joy by many people across Morocco.
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The Moroccan government has declared Friday, May 29, an exceptional public holiday for Eid al-Adha, temporarily suspending work in public administrations and local government services, according to Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP).#Morocco #EidalAdha #EidalAdha2026 pic.twitter.com/2c0qO7aGCo
— Barlaman Today (@BarlamanToday) May 22, 2026
Morocco’s government has unveiled new measures to tighten control over livestock markets ahead of Eid Al Adha, in a bid to reduce speculation and keep animal prices stable during the festive season.
The move comes as demand for sacrificial animals rises, prompting authorities to introduce stricter regulations to ensure fair market practices.
According to reports by The North Africa Post, the government stated that livestock sales will only be allowed in officially approved and licensed markets, although direct farm sales will still be permitted under existing laws.
Traders are required to provide local authorities with details about their identity, the number of animals for sale, and their source before entering designated markets.
The new regulations also ban the resale of livestock within the same market and prohibit unfair practices such as price manipulation, fake bidding, and stockpiling animals to create artificial scarcity and drive up prices.
Authorities warned that violators would face strict penalties, including fines, jail terms, temporary shutdown of sales locations, and confiscation of livestock and equipment linked to illegal activities.
