Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice', is an important holiday celebrated in Ivory Coast, alongside other predominantly Muslim nations. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command, before Allah replaced the son with a lamb to sacrifice instead. The event happens on the tenth day of the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Eid al-Adha in Ivory Coast is an event of great significance. A significant aspect of the celebration is the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat or a sheep, to symbolize Ibrahim's sacrifice. This practice is followed by a feast that is shared among family, friends, and distributed among the needy and less fortunate as well. It's not just a religious event but also a time for families to come together and celebrate.
The festive occasion is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, thus schools and most businesses are typically closed. People attend special prayer services in the morning and engage in feasts and visiting relatives and friends throughout the day. New clothes are often worn during Eid al-Adha, and gifts are given, especially to children. Even though the festival lasts for up to four days, the main celebration is on the first day.