Social media push to cancel Eid al-Adha festival in Morocco sparks controversy

#CancelEidAlAdha is trending on social media in Morocco sparking a heated debate among those who say the annual event is a vital part of Morocco’s culture and those who are concerned about the associated costs, according to Morocco World News.

The festival is marked by the sacrifice of a goat or a sheep, which is then consumed. But prices for livestock have risen dramatically, according to consumer protection groups, for myriad reasons including several years of drought and a reduction in the herd during the pandemic. 

Religious leaders say families with limited financial means may forgo the sacrifice but they say an outright cancelation would have profound religious, social and economic impacts. 

The government has sought to alleviate some of these price hikes by importing more sheep and establishing temporary markets.

Nevertheless, the push for a cancelation among some persists. It would not be without precedent. It was canceled three times under the reign of the late King Hassan II at moments when Morocco was struggling from persistent drought.