When Is Eid al-Adha
Find out when Eid al-Adha is celebrated this year. Date changes yearly based on Islamic calendar.
Next occurrence of Eid al-Adha
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Eid al-Adha in 2026: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second and holier of the two Islamic holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims celebrate by performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, making animal sacrifices, and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the poor. It is a time of spiritual renewal, charity, and gratitude.
Traditions
- •Animal sacrifice of sheep, goats, cows, or camels
- •Special prayers and sermons at mosques
- •Sharing meat from sacrifices with family and poor people
- •Wearing new clothes and perfume
- •Visiting family and friends
- •Exchanging greetings and gifts
- •Preparing and sharing festive meals
- •Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for those able to travel
Fun Facts
- ✨Eid al-Adha lasts for three or four days depending on the country
- ✨It coincides with the final days of the Hajj pilgrimage
- ✨The festival honours Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith
- ✨Over 2 million Muslims gather in Mecca for Hajj during this time
- ✨Eid al-Adha is celebrated by nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide
When is Eid al-Adha each year?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 May 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 16 May 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | 5 May 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | 24 April 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 13 April 2030 | Saturday |
| 2031 | 3 April 2031 | Thursday |
| 2032 | 22 March 2032 | Monday |
| 2033 | 11 March 2033 | Friday |
| 2034 | 1 March 2034 | Wednesday |
| 2035 | 6 June 2035 | Wednesday |
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When is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha (the 'Festival of Sacrifice') falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Approximate dates: 2025: around 6 June. 2026: around 26 May. 2027: around 16 May. 2028: around 5 May. The lunar calendar shifts the festival earlier by about 11 days each Gregorian year. Exact date depends on the moon sighting in the holy city of Mecca.
Marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. Traditions: special Eid prayers, sacrifice of livestock (sheep, goat, cow) with meat shared between family, neighbours, and the poor. Family gatherings, feasting, exchange of gifts. UK Muslim families often coordinate with their local mosque for the official date. Many UK employers offer flexible time off for Eid; not a UK public holiday.
Eid al-Adha Future Dates (Approximate)
| Year | Likely Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 June |
| 2026 | 26 May |
| 2027 | 16 May |
| 2028 | 5 May |
| 2029 | 24 April |
| 2030 | 14 April |
| 2031 | 3 April |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Eid al-Adha differ from Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan (fasting month). Eid al-Adha celebrates the sacrifice tradition, coinciding with Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Different festivals, different dates, both important. Adha is sometimes called 'big Eid' or 'greater Eid'; Fitr is sometimes 'small Eid'.
Is Eid a UK public holiday?
Not federally - only Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day are religious holidays in the UK. Some local councils, schools, and employers offer Eid as paid leave for Muslim workers. Equality Act 2010 allows for reasonable religious accommodation; many UK workplaces are flexible.
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