Moroccan vegetarians, vegans introduce new twists to Eid al-Adha rituals

For many Moroccan vegetarians and vegans, the act of slaughtering animals and the week-long meat-centric festivities that follow Eid al-Adha are anything but ordinary. To them, meat, which is the main dish during this time, has no appeal.

They view the week after Eid as a period of excessive red meat consumption, with over 5 million animals slaughtered in Morocco. This intense meat consumption is seen as distressing by those who advocate for a different dietary lifestyle.

Although many vegetarians told Hespress Ar that they understand the ethical, religious, and social significance of celebrating this established tradition, they cannot deny that the atmosphere, with the sight of blood and the cries of sheep, before they are slaughtered and skinned, creates a repulsive feeling.

This sentiment is not meant to disrespect people’s beliefs but rather reflects a struggle to coexist with them. For this reason, vegetarians often prefer to travel during the holiday until all the rituals have concluded.

“The atmosphere of the holiday is challenging for any vegetarian who avoids all meals where meat is a main component, as is typical during Eid,” commented co-founder of the National Association of Moroccan Vegetarians Mohamed Bouhqaoui, in a statement to Hespress Ar.

He added that “Moroccan vegetarians often opt to spend Eid morning outdoors, engaging in traditional Eid rituals while incorporating vegetarian elements, such as vegetable skewers.”

Bouhqaoui explained that “the morning of Eid is extremely difficult for most vegans; the number of animals slaughtered on that single morning is no less shocking than on any other day of the year, as Moroccans are a society that heavily consumes meat, despite its detrimental effects on health.”

For this reason, he continued, “veganism used to be weird in Morocco, but vegans have been working hard to educate people about it, and now they see it as a way to save animals.”

From her part, Fatima Zahra Erraittib, a Moroccan vegan, said that people used to think veganism was just a form of spoiled behavior, especially during Eid, when everyone’s eating meat.

Erraitib said she “didn’t start out as a vegan, but then she realized she didn’t like eating meat. So, she became a vegan because she believes in protecting the planet and all the animals on it.”

In a statement to Hespress Ar, Erraittib expressed compassion for animals sacrificed as delicious meals during the holiday, advocating for their rights in human existence.

Without criticizing the established tradition, which holds a “high spiritual significance for Moroccan Muslims,” she noted that “our concept of Eid needs reconsideration.”

The same speaker emphasized that “vegetarianism offers a solution, but it remains a choice requiring more promotion and awareness.”