Gambia: 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, 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.

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.

Gambia adopted Sharia Law in December 2015, and became, along with Mauritania, Africa’s second “Islamic State,” although its secular constitution remains unchanged. Around 96 percent of Gambia’s national population is Muslim.

Advice

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

On a more general note, foreigners are advised to remain vigilant due to high crime rates and to take precautionary measures, such as avoiding traveling by foot after dusk, only keeping small amounts of cash on hand, and parking in a secured parking lot close to the destination. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and with all valuables hidden from sight. More broadly, general respect for Muslim customs is advisable throughout the year in Gambia in order to avoid drawing undue attention to oneself.