Day of Ashura in Senegal

Religious meaning and legal status

Ashura has different meanings among Muslim communities. The Agence de Presse Sénégalaise describes it as a day when some Sunni Muslims may fast in gratitude for divine miracles, including those associated with Moses, while Shia observances may include mourning and recitations for Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.[2]

Senegal’s 1974 law lists Tamxarit among the legal holidays and says legal holidays are non-working. It also explicitly names Tamxarit as a holiday that is paid. An amendment in 2013 retained that status while adding the Grand Magal of Touba to the paid holiday list.[1]

The legislation specifies a Monday substitute when Korité or Tabaski falls on a Sunday, but does not provide the same rule for Tamxarit. The Gregorian date changes because the observance follows the Islamic lunar calendar; check an official local announcement for the date in a particular year.[1][2]

How Tamxarit is observed

In Malika, a suburb of Dakar, families serve cere, a millet couscous, for Tamxarit. The meal includes meat and vegetables, and the family shares food together.[3]

In Malika, young people may dress in clothing associated with another gender, go into the streets and ask for money during Tamxarit.[3]

The meal described was in a household in Malika, a suburb of Dakar.[3]

What visitors should expect

The law establishes Tamxarit as a paid, non-working public holiday. Visitors should check directly with a specific office, business or transport operator before making plans.[1]

The legal texts do not prescribe ceremonies or household customs. The practices described in the ethnographic study are observations from Malika, while the news agency’s account of Ashura gives a general overview of religious observances. Local practice can therefore differ by family and community.[2][3]