Feast of the Sacrifice in Guinea-Bissau
In Guinea-Bissau, Eid al-Adha is commonly called Tabaski and is one of the country’s mandatory national public holidays. The law orders work to stop in both public and private sectors, except activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature.[1][2]
A lunar-calendar holiday
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the month associated with the Hajj pilgrimage. Its Gregorian date changes each year because the Islamic calendar is lunar.[3] In Guinea-Bissau, the official decree lists the holiday as Tabaski, while the country’s calendar identifies it as the Feast of the Sacrifice.[1]
The holiday recalls the account of Ibrahim, known as Abraham in other traditions, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Guinea-Bissau, an encyclopedia reference identifies Tabaski as a Muslim feast and describes its observance as beginning with mosque prayer, followed by feasting and gift giving among families and friends.[2]
Prayer, sacrifice and sharing
Tabaski is marked by prayer and time with family and friends. A report from Guinea-Bissau’s Quinara region described a main prayer gathering in Buba and quoted an imam explaining that the observance represents sacrifice and obedience to God; the report also names Eid al-Adha as another name for Tabaski.[4]
Animal sacrifice is part of the holiday’s religious meaning. The story of Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son is central to the account; Eid al-Adha is also associated with offering an animal in remembrance of that devotion.[3][4] Ask local people about customs, food and clothing.
Public holiday and practical effects
Decree No. 1/2023 makes Tabaski a mandatory national holiday and orders the complete cessation of work in the public and private sectors. It exempts activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature.[1] Check with individual banks, shops, schools or transport services about their holiday hours.
The decree does not set out a substitute-day rule for Tabaski. Check directly with a workplace or service provider about its holiday hours, especially where the service may be considered essential under the decree.[1]
Frequently asked questions
What is Eid al-Adha called in Guinea-Bissau?
When is Tabaski observed?
Eid al-Adha falls on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the Islamic lunar calendar.[3]
Is Tabaski a day off work?
It is a mandatory national public holiday. The decree orders work to stop in public and private sectors, except activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport services closed?
The decree sets a general work stoppage, with an exception for activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature. Check with the relevant providers about their hours before travelling or making arrangements.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Guinea-Bissau:
- Decreto n.º 1/2023 — Feriados Nacionais Obrigatórios- República da Guiné-Bissau, Boletim Oficial
- Guineans of Guinea-Bissau- Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life, Encyclopedia.com
- Hajj Rituals on Tenth Day of Dhu Al-Hijjah- Saudi Press Agency
- Regiões / Fiéis muçulmanos de Quinará apelam à paz e união durante celebração de Tabaski- Agência de Notícias da Guiné