Korité in The Gambia
Korité is the Gambian name for Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim feast that marks the end of Ramadan. The President’s Office describes it as a nationwide public holiday and says the date is confirmed after the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council announces the moon sighting.[1][2]
Meaning and timing
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, after Ramadan. The Islamic calendar follows lunar months, so the Gregorian date changes from year to year; in The Gambia, the official celebration date is announced after the moon sighting.[1][5]
Korité is the name used locally for Eid al-Fitr. Gambian presidential messages describe it as a celebration of completing the Ramadan fast and connect the occasion with prayer, reflection, and continuing good deeds.[2][4]
A nationwide public holiday
The President’s Office has set a policy of two public-holiday days for Eid al-Fitr, Korité. Its notices declare the observance nationwide, with the actual date subject to the moon-sighting announcement from the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council.[1][2]
The same Office says that when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be declared a public holiday. The exact dates are announced officially, so travelers and residents should check government notices close to the celebration.[1]
Prayer and community life
An official report from Banjul documents Eid prayers at the King Fahd Mosque and Banjul Central Mosque, followed by a sermon. It records the President joining worshippers and later meeting with Banjul Muslim elders, the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, and religious scholars.[3]
The President’s Office describes Muslim feasts as occasions when families reunite and people travel to their communities to celebrate.[1]
Practical planning
Korité is a nationwide public holiday. Check with individual shops, banks and transport providers before making time-sensitive plans.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Korité celebrated?
Is Korité a public holiday throughout The Gambia?
What happens if Korité falls on a weekend?
The President’s Office says the following Monday will be declared a public holiday when a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Are shops, banks, and transport open?
Check with the shop, bank or transport provider you plan to use before travelling.
Sources and references
Sources used for Korité in Gambia:
- Media Advisory on Public Holidays- Office of The President, Republic of The Gambia
- Declaration of Eid-Ul-Fitr Public Holidays- Office of The President, Republic of The Gambia
- PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL MUSLIMS IN PRAYERS- Gambia Radio and Television Services
- EID UL-FITR BROADCAST MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. ADAMA BARROW, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA, MARKING THE END OF THE 2025 HOLY MONTH OF FASTING, RAMADAN.- Office of The President, Republic of The Gambia
- Calendars from around the world- Royal Museums Greenwich