The "festival of Sacrifice" or the "Big Holiday".

Eid Al-Adha is referred to as Eid Al-Kabir – the "Big Holiday" – because of its tremendous significance to Muslims. It's one of two main Islamic holidays, and traditionally lasts for three days.

Eid Al-Adha translates to "Festival of Sacrifice" and commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey God when he envisioned that he was to sacrifice his son. Muslims observe this day by slaughtering an animal – usually a sheep, goat or cow – according to humane Islamic guidelines (zabiha), and then offering much of its meat in charity.

Although the slaughter is incumbent upon only those who can afford it, many poor families in Morocco borrow money so that they can sacrifice a sheep or goat of their own. This is because the real significance of the day is not the slaughter itself, but that a Muslim follow Abraham's example in demonstrating obedience to God.

Moroccan Food Traditions at Eid Al-Adha

Every Muslim country and culture has its own traditions that surround Eid Al-Adha. In Morocco,sweets and cookies are prepared in advance for the special day and new clothes purchased for the children.

After congregational Eid prayers on the first morning of the holiday, families either convene for the slaughter or do it individually at their own homes.

It's Moroccan tradition to prepare organ meats such as the liver and heart on the day of the slaughter. Subsequent days include more meat intensive dishes (such as mechoui or steamed lamb) that might be too expensive to serve other times of the year.

Moroccans tend to be very frugal, and there are special dishes which use the head, tail,intestines, stomach and feet. Even the brains, fat and testicles don't go to waste.