Morocco: Eid al-Adha expected to begin September 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning September 1. During the festivities, which last up to four days, many government offices, foreign embassies, and local businesses close. Heavy road traffic is likely as large numbers of people return home during the holiday. Other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) are also to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers. While celebrations typically remain peaceful, the terrorist threat will remain elevated during this period as groups, including Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qa’ida and their affiliates could step up attacks by targeting crowded mosques or public places.

Context

Eid al-Adha is one of the most widely observed holidays in Islam and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, worshipers usually slaughter a sheep or goat to share the meat with their family and neighbors. About 99 percent of Morocco's population is Muslim.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to allow additional time for travel, and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

On a more general note, due to the significant terrorist threat, individuals in Morocco are advised report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to exercise caution at all times, particularly when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.), especially in major cities such as Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca.