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

A nationwide public holiday

Comoros’ decree on public holidays names the day and the day after Ide El Kabir among the religious holidays that are “fériés, chômés et payés” across the country. This means the holiday is paid and nonworking nationwide, subject to an exception for establishments and workers whose activities cannot be interrupted; the decree says those exceptions are set by a joint ministerial order.[1]

The decree does not make a substitute day automatic. It says an intervening working day between holidays, or between a holiday and a Saturday or Sunday, may be declared a paid day off. Travelers and residents should check opening arrangements with the offices or businesses they need, since the decree does not specify separate schedules for banks, schools, shops or transport.[1]

Meaning and observance

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is linked to the story of Abraham’s test of obedience to God and the Hajj pilgrimage. The holiday begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijja in the Islamic lunar calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts from year to year.[2]

Comorian official usage calls the feast Ide El Kabir. In a presidential address delivered after Eid prayers, President Azali Assoumani referred to people gathering in mosques and in towns, villages and neighborhoods to observe the religious rite. The address also spoke of fraternity and solidarity as values associated with the occasion.[3]

The presidential address describes observance in mosques, towns, villages and neighborhoods, and associates the occasion with fraternity and solidarity.[3]

Planning around the holiday

Ide El Kabir and the following day are designated paid, nonworking holidays nationwide, apart from qualifying work that cannot stop. Check locally before arranging appointments, banking or travel.[1]