Sierra Leone: Eid al-Adha expected to begin September 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning on Friday, September 1. During the festivities, which last up to four days, some local businesses may close in Muslim-majority areas. Heavy road traffic is likely as large numbers of people return home during the holiday. Other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) are also to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers.

Context

Eid al-Adha is one of the most widely observed holidays in Islam and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, worshipers usually slaughter a sheep or goat to share the meat with their family and neighbors.

Around 77 percent of Sierra Leone's population is Muslim.

Advice

Individuals in Sierra Leone are advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or gathering.

On a more general note, individuals should maintain an elevated level of vigilance in the country - particularly in Freetown - due to high crime rates. Individuals present in Sierra Leone should also remain alert and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Always be on guard when visiting sites that could potentially be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).