Moroccan Eid al-Fitr Celebrations Disrupted by COVID-19 Lockdown

Moroccans, exceptionally, will have to spend the "confined Eid" because of the health crisis. According to the Supreme Council of Ulema, the prayer will be performed at home. As for the traditional preparations such as the purchase of the essential outfits for the occasion, they will not take place, not only because of the confinement, but also because of the drop in the purchasing power of Moroccans who are content to prioritize basic needs.

Contrary to the traditional rush to ready-to-wear stores during this period, the shops will also be closed following the state of health emergency decreed in the country. As a result, children will not be able to receive their new clothes this year.

While regretting the situation, the sociologist Mohamed Gharbi, in an interview with l’Observateur, urges parents to devote as much time as possible to their children during this particular period and explain the specificity of this year to them. As for Rachida Houari, a manager at a multinational company, Eid will remain Eid. According to her, the children will be content with what they already have. For his part, Karim Laaraj, a senior executive on temporary leave, who now receives 2,000 DH in benefits against 18,000 before confinement, his current purchasing power could not even allow him to buy new outfits for his three children.

Better off than her compatriots, Mouna Debbagh wants to resort to online shopping to buy Eid clothes for her two children aged 8 and 4. "They will still wear their outfits at home and wish a happy Eid to the whole family by video call on WhatsApp".

Eid this year will also be celebrated without family visits. Malika Ghazi is disappointed by this measure. She admits not having seen her parents for two months with the confinement. "I’m already depressed. It’s the first Eid I’m going to spend away from my parents. And it hurts my heart. But I tell myself that I will postpone the celebration for later as soon as we come out unscathed from this terrible ordeal".