Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Côte d’Ivoire
Known in Côte d’Ivoire as Tabaski, Eid al-Adha is a nationwide public holiday for the country’s Muslim community. Its date follows the Islamic lunar calendar, while its legal status and local preparations give the observance a distinct place in Ivorian public life.[1][2][4]
A nationwide non-working holiday
Côte d’Ivoire’s Decree No. 96-205 lists Tabaski, also called Aïd el-Kébir, among the religious holidays that are public and non-working. The decree as amended in 2011 also provides for the following day to be a holiday when Tabaski falls on a Sunday.[1]
The rule makes Tabaski a countrywide public holiday rather than a local observance. The law identifies it as non-working. Check opening hours with the business or service before you go.[1]
Meaning and observance
Eid al-Adha begins on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Muslim calendar. It recalls Abraham’s willingness to obey God and is connected with the Hajj pilgrimage; the date moves through the Gregorian calendar because the Muslim calendar is lunar.[4]
In Côte d’Ivoire, official accounts call the holiday Tabaski and describe prayers at mosques as a public part of its observance. A government report records the president attending the commemorative prayer at Abidjan’s Grande Mosquée de la Riviera Golf, while a separate report documents Tabaski prayers in Korhogo. These examples show public observances in more than one city, but do not establish a uniform practice in every community.[2][3]
Livestock and preparations
Animal supply is one practical feature of preparations in Côte d’Ivoire. In its reporting on Tabaski preparations, the government describes coordination between livestock authorities and COSIM, the country’s council of imams, as well as efforts to ensure animals are available across the country.[3]
The commerce ministry has also documented livestock arrivals through several national supply corridors and preparations at the Anyama livestock market. This points to the role of animal markets and supply planning in the lead-up to the holiday. Check with local services for transport schedules.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Tabaski a public holiday in Côte d’Ivoire?
Yes. The decree lists Tabaski as a public, non-working holiday across the country.[1]
When is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
It begins on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, its Gregorian date changes from year to year.[4]
Is the following Monday a holiday if Tabaski falls on Sunday?
The 2011 amendment to the holiday decree provides for the following day to be a holiday when Tabaski falls on a Sunday.[1]
Will shops, banks, and public transport be open?
Tabaski is a public, non-working holiday across the country. Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Côte d’Ivoire:
- Décret n° 2011-371 du 4 novembre 2011 modifiant et complétant l’article 2 du décret n° 96-205 du 7 mars 1996 déterminant la liste et le régime des jours fériés- Ministère de la Fonction Publique et de la Réforme Administrative, Côte d’Ivoire
- TABASKI 2021 : LE PRESIDENT ALASSANE OUATTARA EXHORTE AU RENFORCEMENT DE LA COHESION SOCIALE ET A LA RECONCILIATION- Plateforme officielle pour accéder au bilan du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire
- Le Ministre Sidi Tiémoko Touré a été reçu en audience par le Président du Conseil Supérieur des Imams- Ministère des Ressources Animales et Halieutiques, Côte d’Ivoire
- Eid al-Adha- The Open University
- TABASKI 2026 EN CÔTE D’IVOIRE : LE MINISTRE KALIL KONATÉ RASSURE SUR LA DISPONIBILITÉ DES MOUTONS ET L’APPROVISIONNEMENT DU MARCHÉ AU PARC À BÉTAIL D’ANYAMA- Ministère du Commerce, de l’Industrie et de l’Artisanat, Côte d’Ivoire