Eid al-Adha, also known as 'Feast of Sacrifice', is an important Islamic festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kuwait. Falling on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim, also known as Abraham, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In his honor, Muslims across Kuwait and worldwide participate in ritual animal sacrifices and distribute the meat among family, friends, and the less fortunate. This astonishing display of kindness and sense of community acts as the basis for Eid al-Adha.
The celebrations of Eid al-Adha in Kuwait are nothing short of extravagant. It is a public holiday, and the festivities generally last for four days. People in Kuwait start their day with a special prayer conducted in large congregations at mosques or open prayer grounds. After the prayers, they go on to partake in the mass ritual of sacrificing goats or sheep. The streets are filled with recklessly joyous parades, mise-en-scenes from the life of Abraham, feasts, and charity drives. Eid al-Adha also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, adding significance to the holiday.
Eid al-Adha in Kuwait is a time for family and giving. Families get together for large meals that include the sacrificed meat and exchange gifts. It is also an occasion for acts of charity as it is common for families to distribute a portion of the sacrificed meat to those in need. The holiday also features local delicacies and traditional dances and music. Kuwait City, in particular, is known for its grand Eid festivities. The governmental buildings are adorned with bright illuminations, and the scene is quite a spectacle. Overall, the holiday of Eid al-Adha is not just a religious occasion but a profound example of the spirit of sharing, kindness, and brotherhood.