Eid al-Adha in Somalia
Eid al-Adha, also called the Feast of the Sacrifice, is observed in Somalia on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah. Somalia’s Labour Code recognizes it as a national holiday, and an official announcement describes three days of leave for public and private sector workers.[1][2]
A national holiday for workers
Somalia’s Labour Code is Law No. 36 of 2024, which the International Labour Organization records as a national law in force from 4 February 2025.[1] A 2025 announcement by the Somali National News Agency, reporting the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, said Eid al-Adha is a three-day public and private sector holiday under that law.[2]
The same announcement reported that when a public holiday falls on a Friday, observance begins on the following Saturday.[2] Check official notices for the dates and arrangements announced for a particular observance.
Meaning and timing
Eid al-Adha is tied to the Hajj pilgrimage and the story of Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son; in the account followed by Muslims, God provides a ram instead. The observance begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.[4]
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes Eid al-Adha as a major religious holiday marked by animal sacrifice, feasting and visits to loved ones. The date follows the Islamic calendar, so it moves through the Gregorian calendar over time.[3]
Prayer, sacrifice and family visits
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes Somali observances that include exchanging greetings, decorating homes, distributing sacrificial animals, and gathering with family and friends.[3] These are broad descriptions; practices can vary between Somali communities.
More generally, Eid prayers and charity are part of the wider Muslim observance. The sacrifice recalls Ibrahim’s story, and sharing meat with relatives, neighbours and people in need is a traditional form of giving; the exact customs of Somali households may vary.[4]
What to expect during the holiday
The official announcement reported that government and commercial operations paused during the three-day holiday it covered.[2] Visitors should expect public services and some businesses to close or change their hours. Check with the specific office or operator before travelling or arranging appointments.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Adha a day off in Somalia?
When is Eid al-Adha observed?
What do people do for Eid al-Adha in Somalia?
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes animal sacrifice, greetings, home decorations, feasting and visits with family and friends.[3]
Are shops and transport services open?
Government and commercial operations paused during the three-day holiday covered by the announcement. Check with shops and transport operators about their hours before travelling.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Somalia:
- Somali Labour Code (Law No. 36 of 2024).- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- Somalia Declares Three-Day Public Holiday for Eid al-Adha- Somali National News Agency (SONNA)
- Public Holidays- Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Federal Republic of Somalia
- Eid al-Adha- The Open University