The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.

How do international remittances, or cross-border money transfers, help promote financial inclusion? Improve your financial literacy by learning about budgeting and saving, personal finance.    

Learn how to send money using Ria Money Transfer, new services we offer, our omnichannel services, tips for sending money and the expansion of our network.    

Learn how international migration trends affect remittances and the impact remittances have on the individuals and communities around the world who receive them.     

Videos that feature Ria customers explaining in their own words how their experience of migration has impacted themselves, their families and their communities.     

Learn about different cultures around the world, how people celebrate, what it is like to live abroad and great travel destinations.     

What's new in cross-border payments, tech and finance? Learn about new payments methods like mobile wallets, the importance of the omnichannel experience and workplace trends.

What is Ria doing for the community? What does CSR, corporate social responsibility, mean? What's new in sponsorships at Ria?    

The Ria Blog

We use our own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and to show you advertising related to your preferences based on your browsing habits. Learn more by reading our 

We use first and third-party cookies to help us understand how you interact with the site by collecting and reporting information, such as the number of visitors or clicks. They do not allow us to collect your activity data beyond our site.

🍪 Cookies give you a personalized  experience

We use our own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and to show you advertising related to your preferences based on your browsing habits. Learn more by reading our

These cookies are essential to the basic functioning of our website. They turn on functions like page navigation, authentication, and access to secure areas.

Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski in West Africa, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. Alongside <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/what-is-ramadan/">Eid al-Fitr</a>, it is one of the two main festivals observed by Muslims around the world.



It’s a meaningful occasion to give thanks for the blessings received during the year, to spend time with family and friends, and to extend kindness and generosity to those in need.



While its origins are rooted in shared religious tradition, each country adds its own unique cultural touches to the festivities, creating a beautiful tapestry of diverse celebrations united by common values.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Eid al-Adha?</h2>



Eid al-Adha literally translates to “the Festival of Sacrifice”. It honors the prophet Ibrahim (also known as Abraham), who also appears in Jewish and Christian religious scriptures.



As the story goes, Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son following Allah’s orders, in a demonstration of his unwavering faith. At the very last moment, Allah intervenes, substituting the boy for a ram to be sacrificed in his place as a reward for Ibrahim’s pious obedience.



Eid al-Adha history is therefore rooted in sacred texts. The timeless lesson of this particular story, about devotion and faithfulness, remains at the heart of the Festival of Sacrifice today.



This holiday also marks the end of the Hajj <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/sacred-journeys-worlds-most-popular-pilgrimages/">pilgrimage</a> which represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars are the religion’s core beliefs and practices:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Shahada: The profession of faith.</li>



<li>Salat: The daily five prayers.</li>



<li><ins><a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/zakat-vs-sadaqah-ramadan-islam/">Zakat</a></ins>: The donation of a portion your income to community members in need.</li>



<li>Sawm: Fasting during the holy month of <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/how-to-wish-someone-happy-ramadan/">Ramadan</a>.</li>



<li>Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.</li>
</ul>



This celebration therefore holds a deep spiritual significance, representing both personal faith and the broader values of compassion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?</h2>



Unlike the festivities that follow the Gregorian calendar (the prevalent calendar in most parts of the world), Eid al-Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar used to determine Muslim religious holidays and rituals, known as the Hijri calendar.



While the Gregorian calendar is based on the annual cycle of the earth around the sun, the Islamic calendar is based on the monthly cycles of the moon’s phases.



The festival takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the calendar. However, because the precise length of lunar months can vary slightly, the exact date of Eid al-Adha can be difficult to predict far in advance. But it is possible to make an accurate estimation.



Eid al-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6. The celebrations will last anywhere from two to four days, depending on the country and local customs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do People Celebrate Eid al-Adha?</h2>



Although <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/how-eid-al-adha-is-celebrated-across-the-muslim-world/">celebrations may differ from one country to another</a>, the core of the holiday remains the same. Here are some of the main Eid al-Adha traditions that are considered staples of the festival:



Eid Salah On this date, people must attend the special congregational Eid al-Adha prayers held in the morning. They are usually a moment of reflection, gratitude, and unity.



Qurbani In memory of Ibrahim’s devotion, people who can afford to do so perform the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, bull, or camel. The meat is then divided in three parts: one-third of the meat is kept for the family, one-third is given to friends and relatives, and one-third is distributed to those in need.



Gatherings Families often travel a great distance to <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/stay-connected-with-family-abroad/">reunite with their loved ones</a> for Eid al-Adha. They share festive meals and exchange gifts. These gatherings are a moment to strengthen bonds, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories.



Celebratory food Food plays a central role in the celebrations, although dishes vary greatly from country to country. Eid al-Adha food varies wildly from <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/history-remittances-immigration-in-morocco/">Morocco</a> to Mali or from Saudi Arabia to <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/pakistan-places-to-visit-culture-tradition/">Pakistan</a>, as every country has their own <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/10-popular-ramadan-meals-from-around-the-world/">traditional meal</a> for this occasion. Every dish reflects a unique blend of religious and local culinary traditions.



Charity and Solidarity Generosity and compassion are at the core of this holiday. People come together to support those who are struggling, so that no one is left out of the Eid al-Adha celebration. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can partake in the joy of the festival.



If you’d like to wish someone well during this holiday, you can say “Eid Mubarak”, which is one of the traditional Eid al-Adha greetings, meaning “Blessed Eid”.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tabaski: The West African Name for Eid al-Adha</h2>



Though the celebrations are the same around the world, some regions have found ways to make the festival their own.



In several West African countries, Eid al-Adha is known as Tabaski. You might be wondering, what is the meaning of Tabaski?



Well, the name is believed to originate from a Wolof expression used to refer to the holiday. Wolof is an ethnicity, a culture, and a language present across several countries, namely <a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en/blog/history-remittances-immigration-in-senegal/">Senegal</a>, Mauritania, and The Gambia.



The Wolof language is spoken by millions across the region. It is the most widely spoken tongue in Senegal, and even non-Wolof ethnic groups learn it as a second language to be able to communicate.



Given the language’s widespread influence and the fact that over 90% of the region’s population is Muslim, it’s no surprise that the festival has become locally known as Tabaski. It reflects how this religious practice has become deeply embedded in West Africa’s social and cultural fabric.<del></del>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Embracing the Spirit of Eid al-Adha</h2>



Eid al-Adha is more than a religious festival, it’s a time where faith, community, and culture intertwine.



For those fortunate enough to celebrate with loved ones nearby, it’s a precious time to gather and give thanks. For those separated by distance, it can be bittersweet, but there are meaningful ways to stay connected.



Whether you’re sending warm wishes, providing financial support, or contributing to your community, it’s a time to reflect on the values that unite us, no matter where we are in the world.



If you need to send money to loved ones this Eid al-Adha, you can use our&nbsp;<a href="https://riamoneytransfer.com/">web</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://riamoneytransfer.app.link/BRkhWD7dSTb">app</a>, or visit your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riamoneytransfer.com/en-sn/locations/">nearest Ria location</a>.



<a id="_msocom_1"></a>

Illustration of the Kaaba in Mecca with four minarets and a clear sky with clouds in the background. The open courtyard surrounds the central black-and-gold cube-shaped structure.

What Is Tabaski? Understanding Eid al-Adha and Its Significance

About the author

Myriam Fernández German

Related posts

International Dance Day: How Movement Connects Cultures

We Folded One Thousand Cranes for Children

How Panama Became a Global Hub of Migration, Culture & Remittances

International Mother Language Day: A Bridge to Cultural Diversity