In a historic and emotionally recharged decision, Morocco has officially cancelled the sacrifice of a traditional Eid al-Ada sheep called the “Lamb Festival” for the first time in 30 years. Cancellation comes in response to permanent drought, reduced national flocks, and deepening economic hardships across the country.
King Mohammed VI made an unprecedented announcement earlier this year, urging Moroccans to abandon the ritual genocide as a gesture of compassion and practicality in a difficult time. Also known as the “east feast of sacrifices,” Eid al-Ada is the most important religious holiday in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to submit to God and sacrifice his son. Traditionally, Moroccan families slaughtered sheep and goats and shared meat with relatives, neighbors and poor people.
However, this year, the king issued a royal directive to halt the custom, citing “real harm” to the population if practice continues under current conditions. In a statement aired, he said:
“Making sacrifices in these difficult circumstances will really harm our people, especially those with limited income.”
Drought and the decline of cows
Morocco has been tackling a severe drought for six years in a row, and it’s the worst in decades. Lack of rainfall has significantly reduced water supply and pasture, leading to livestock decimation. Official figures show that the country’s cattle and sheep flocks have fallen by 38% since 2016.
The rarity of sheep drives prices to go high, putting Eid sacrifices out of reach for many families. In some markets, the cost of a single RAM has doubled compared to the past few years. Once a unified moment of religious and social significance, traditional festivals were beginning to reflect the growth of economic inequality.
“I never imagined Eid without lambs,” said Ahmed Benkiran, 62-year-old shopkeeper at the festival. “But when a lamb’s salary takes more than a month, you start to question what this really is.”
Government response and economic relief
To manage the crisis, the Moroccan government has removed tariffs and value-added tax (VAT) on livestock and lean meat imports. A special agreement has also been announced that up to 100,000 sheep will be imported from Australia to stabilize domestic supply. However, these measures were not sufficient to offset the combined effects of environmental stress and inflation.
Economists estimate that cancellations could provide significant financial relief to Moroccan households. A report from the Moroccan Economic and Social Sciences Centre said families collectively save an estimated $20 billion (approximately US$2 billion) by not purchasing sacrificial animals this year.
“This is not just a religious decision, it’s an economic reset,” said Dr Salma El Hariri, a Rabat-based economist. “It gives a breathing room to families that are reaching their limits.”
Charity and community efforts change focus
Over the past few years, charities have distributed lambs to small families during EID. With new directives being introduced, many organizations are shifting their approach. Instead of living animals, they provide direct financial aid, food staples and school supplies to the most affected people.
“Our goal is to support people in a different way during Eid,” said Abdelkader Lahlou, director of Rabat-based charity. “Comment this year means something other than sacrifice.”
Rare historical precedents
This is only the fourth time in modern Moroccan history where Eid’s sacrifice has been suspended. Previous cancellations occurred in 1963, 1981, and 1996. All of this was caused by a similar crisis with drought and livestock shortages.
Although this decision has been filled with grief by many, it has also sparked conversations about resilience, shared sacrifice, and the evolving relationship between tradition and need.
“This is a moment that reflects not only the ritual, but the spirit of Eid, which is generosity,” said sociologist Laila Amrani. “Perhaps we also remember the people who suffer when saving lambs.”
As Morocco endures the double pressures of climate and economics, the cancellation of the Lamb Festival stands as a powerful symbol of national adaptation in the face of adversity.
