Can I celebrate Eid al-Adha if I can't afford qurbani?

Qurbani depends on what you can afford

Scholars agree that qurbani is linked to ability. The Hanafi school says it's required only for someone who has the nisab amount of spare wealth (the same threshold as zakat). The Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools call it a strong sunnah for those who can afford it without hardship. Nobody is asked to borrow money or go without essentials to buy an animal. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?

The Prophet ﷺ remembered you too

When the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed his ram at Eid, he said, "In the name of Allah. O Allah, accept this from Muhammad, from the family of Muhammad, and from the Ummah of Muhammad" (Sahih Muslim 1967). Many scholars mention this as a comfort for Muslims who couldn't offer their own sacrifice: they are included in his.

How to celebrate without qurbani

• Fast the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) if you're not on Hajj. It costs nothing and carries a huge reward.
• Say the takbir from the days before Eid until the end of the days of tashriq. See What is the Eid takbir and when do I say it?
• Go to the Eid prayer in your best clothes, even if they aren't new.
• Eat and share. The days of Eid are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah (Sahih Muslim 1141). A simple meal shared with friends is a real Eid.
• Accept meat from others. Qurbani meat is meant for the less well off too, so don't feel shy about receiving it.

If you can afford a little

A full sheep isn't the only option. A cow or camel can be shared by seven people, as the Companions did (Sahih Muslim 1318), so a seventh share costs much less. Some charities also offer lower-priced qurbani in countries where animals are cheaper. If even that is too much, give whatever small charity you can and trust that Allah sees your intention.