Eid al-Adha Holiday Description
The Festival of Sacrifice, Islam's holiest celebration, coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. As millions of pilgrims perform the rites at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, the rest of the Kingdom celebrates with five consecutive days of holiday. The first day begins with Eid prayers, followed by the ritual slaughter of livestock (udhiyah/qurbani) commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to God. The meat is divided in three: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor — a profound expression of Islamic charity that sees meat distributed across the Kingdom and internationally. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close for the full five days. Families gather for festive meals featuring lamb dishes, traditional rice (kabsa, mandi), and sweets. Saudi cities host grand entertainment events — fireworks, concerts, and cultural festivals — as part of the Kingdom's expanding entertainment calendar, making these days among the most vibrant of the year.
