Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha marks celebrations in 27 countries

Eid al-Adha, known as Festa of Sacrifício, spanned the globe on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Fiéis Muslims gathered in mosques, public squares and makeshift spaces to celebrate the tenth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja. The holiday coincides with the peak of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Meca that marks one of the 5 pillars of Islã.

The celebrations went beyond geographical barriers and regional conflicts. From Desde to Paquistão to Faixa to Gaza, through Istambul, São Petersburgo and Nova York, Muslim communities observed centuries-old traditions in different social and political contexts. The images documented by the agency Associated Press portray the diversity of ways in which faith is lived on the streets of the world.

Traditional Rituais adapted to different realities

Na Mesquita Azul of Istambul, an Ottoman structure dating back centuries, worshipers participated in solemn prayers during the first day of Eid al-Adha. No Iraque, Shia Muslims gathered at the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf for celebrations that reinforce deep spiritual bonds. Em Jerusalém, faithful positioned themselves close to Domo of Rocha, in the complex of Mesquita of Al-Aqsa, performing prayers at Cidade Velha.

The ritual sacrifice, a central part of the celebration, took place in multiple locations:

• Rawalpindi, Paquistão: Muslims prepared goats for traditional sacrifice
• Karachi, Paquistão: celebrations of Festa of Sacrifício with collective participation
• Idlib, Síria: Butchers processed meat from sacrificed sheep
• Ramallah, Cisjordânia: Palestinians carried out slaughter in butcher shops during festivities
• Eastleigh, Nairobi, Quênia: men carried goats to celebrations

Celebrações in conflict and displacement contexts

Palestinos in Faixa in Gaza performed Eid prayers next to ruins of mosques destroyed by Israeli shelling in Khan Younis. Crianças Displaced Palestinian women played on swings inside makeshift camps during the Muslim holiday. A woman walked toward a place of prayer in Escola Sayo Muhamed in Bunia, Congo, a region affected by the Ebola outbreak, demonstrating the spiritual importance that transcends public health challenges.

The ceremony at Bronx, in Nova York, was attended by Mayor Zohran Mamdani praying among the local Muslim community. Em Bunia, in Congo, believers maintained their religious practices despite the critical health situation. Estas situations reflect how Eid al-Adha remains central in the spiritual life of global communities regardless of adverse circumstances.

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Variedade of celebratory spaces and practices

Mulheres Muslim women in Jacarta, Indonésia, held morning prayers in public streets on Wednesday, May 27. Meninos on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malásia, waited alongside their parents to participate in the morning celebrations. Em Srinagar, in Caxemira controlled by Índia, Muslims from the region arrived at a Mughal garden to offer Eid prayers.

The celebration expanded beyond strictly religious contexts. No Dubai Mall, in Emirados Árabes Unidos, people ice skated during the first day of the holiday, integrating the festivity with contemporary leisure. Em Beirute, Líbano, a child watched worshipers gathered at Mesquita Mohammad Al-Amin while a girl held a balloon after Eid’s prayers. Em São Petersburgo, Rússia, Muslims held prayers on the city’s central avenue, signaling the institutional presence of the Islamic community.

Detalhes of cultural preparation and expression

A woman had her hands painted with traditional henna while participating in Eid al-Adha prayers at the historic Mesquita Badshahi in Lahore, Paquistão. Henna, a traditional application, culturally marks female participation in important Islamic festivities. A Yemeni boy dressed in traditional clothing stood next to a crowd of women waiting to perform prayers at Praça of Liberdade in Taiz, Iêmen.

The rites of Eid al-Adha are based on the Quranic narrative of Abraão, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Deus. The festival lasts up to 4 days and marks both the climax of Hajj and celebrates the willingness of submission and faith. Carneiros, goats and sheep are traditionally slaughtered, with the meat distributed among family, friends and those in need.

Significado spiritual and global participation

The tenth day of Dhul-Hijja concentrates pilgrims at Meca to complete final rituals of Hajj, which attracts millions annually from all Islamic nations. Fora from the pilgrimage context, Muslim communities in urban, rural, and conflict-ridden contexts observe the holiday with collective prayers and ritual practices. Associated Press’s photo gallery documents 28 distinct locations where celebrations took place simultaneously on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.