Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', is one of the most significant annual holidays celebrated in Egypt. It remembers the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham in the Christian and Jewish traditions) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. To honor this event, Egyptians join Muslims worldwide in observing this special day, which falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last and the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The festivities of Eid al-Adha in Egypt are filled with a strong sense of community and tradition. A key ritual of the holiday is the sacrificing of an animal (typically a sheep or goat), with the meat often being shared among family, neighbours, and the needy. Moreover, Egyptians consider it a time of giving and showing kindness to others. The holiday offers a break from everyday life, with people dressing up in new clothes, visiting family and friends, and feasting together.
Eid al-Adha also sees Egypt engage in several cultural practices unique to the region. Festivities could include folkloric expressions through music and dance, as well as colorful street carnivals. During this time, many Egyptians also take the opportunity to visit historic sites, as government often reduces entry fees to national landmarks. Consequently, Eid al-Adha isn't just a religious observance, but it is also a significant sociocultural event that is deeply embedded in the national fabric of Egypt.