Djibouti: Eid al-Adha expected to begin September 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning September 1. During the festivities, which last up to four days, many government offices, foreign embassies, and local businesses close. 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. Djibouti will also have a national holiday for the Day of Arafat on Thursday, August 31.

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.

About 95 percent of Djibouti's citizens are Muslims, and Islam is the official state religion.

Advice

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

On a more general note, most Western governments advise against all nonessential travel to the Eritrean and Somalian borders.