Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Cameroon

Meaning and local name

Cameroon’s Ministry of Tourism lists Tabaski (Aïd el-Kébir) among Muslim holidays and describes it as commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. The page also recounts that a sheep took the son’s place. This gives the holiday’s name and religious meaning in the country’s official tourism information.[1]

Date and public-holiday status

Eid al-Adha follows the Islamic calendar, so its Gregorian date changes from year to year. Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education has documented that the National Crescent Commission’s announcement set the observance date in 2020.[3]

The Ministry of Tourism includes Tabaski in its list of Muslim holidays. A presidential order declared Monday, 19 July 2021 a public holiday throughout Cameroon, under the country’s legal-holiday framework. That order establishes nationwide status for that date; it does not itself set out a general substitute-day rule.[1][2]

What to expect when planning

The date can affect scheduled activities: Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education postponed national HND, HPD and DSEP examinations that had been set for the 2020 Tabaski date. This example shows why travelers and residents should check announcements from relevant offices and institutions as the date approaches.[3]

The holiday is officially recognised and is a Muslim religious observance.[1][2] Check directly with a specific service or business before making plans for the day.[1][2]