Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Madagascar
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Madagascar, where its date is set according to the calendar established by the Muslim community. The holiday remembers Abraham’s willingness to obey God and is associated with Hajj, prayer, sacrifice and charity in Muslim communities around the world.[1][4]
A public holiday set by the Muslim community
Madagascar’s Labour Code says public holidays are paid non-working days and that an annual decree sets the list. The government’s 2025 holiday decree includes Eid al-Adha, with its date to follow the calendar set by the Muslim community.[1][2]
The decree makes listed holidays compulsory days off, with exceptions for establishments and worker categories whose activities cannot stop. Those exceptions are set by a ministerial order. The decree also says any additional day declared non-working and paid must be established by a separate decree published a week in advance; it does not describe an automatic substitute day for Eid al-Adha.[2]
Madagascar’s Muslim history
Eid al-Adha is observed by Muslims in Madagascar, a country with a long Islamic history. An entry in the Encyclopedia of Global Religion traces Islam’s arrival to migrants from Arabia and surrounding lands and describes later settlement on Madagascar’s west and northwest coasts. It also notes Muslim concentrations around Mahajanga and Antsiranana.[3]
Meaning and observance
Eid al-Adha begins on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is linked to the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Open University explains that it commemorates Abraham’s obedience when he was prepared to sacrifice his son, and that God provided a ram instead.[4]
The Open University describes common observances among Muslims worldwide: congregational prayer, time with relatives and friends, shared meals, charity and, for those who can afford it, animal sacrifice with meat shared with others. These are general religious practices; check with local community organisations for customs, foods or ceremonies in Malagasy communities.[4]
What to expect on the day
Because Eid al-Adha is designated a paid non-working holiday, many workers have the day off. Some workplaces can continue operating under the listed exceptions. Check directly with banks, shops, schools or transport providers before travelling.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Madagascar?
Yes. The government’s holiday decree includes Eid al-Adha as a public, non-working and paid holiday, with the date following the Muslim community’s calendar.[2]
When does Eid al-Adha fall?
Does everyone get the day off?
The decree makes the holiday a compulsory paid day off, while allowing exceptions for certain establishments and worker categories whose work cannot stop.[2]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
The holiday is a compulsory paid day off, but certain establishments and worker categories can operate under the listed exceptions. Check hours with each bank, shop or transport provider before you go.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Madagascar:
- Loi n° 2024-014 du 14 août 2024 portant Code du Travail- Centre National d’Information et de Documentation Législative et Juridique
- Décret n° 2025-005 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l’année 2025- Centre National d’Information et de Documentation Législative et Juridique
- Madagascar- SAGE Publications, Encyclopedia of Global Religion
- Eid al-Adha- The Open University