During the month of May comes an important date in the Islamic calendar, with Muslims worldwide coming together to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the second of the two Eids.
Determined by the lunar cycle, Eid al-Fitr has already happened this year and marks the end of Ramadan fasting. Eid al-Adha, meanwhile, coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage (more on that below).
Both Eids involve not just personal preparation but also organised gatherings, with special meals, loved ones and a sense of community and festive spirit. There are also celebrations around the Islamic New Year (which this year falls on 16 June), as well as Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ashura. Many excuses to get dressed up in the finest garb and spend time with friends and family!
Below is everything you need to know about the key celebration this year.
Known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, Eid al-Adha, is one of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims, falling on the tenth day in the final month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. It comes at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage period — a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is included in the five pillars of Islam, which means that the trip is obliged of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime. While the Hajj has no direct relation to the Eid al-Adha festival, the ‘Greater Eid’ is only a day after the completion of Hajj and therefore has some significance in terms of time.
Eid al-Adha comes at the end of this holy pilgrimage, where Muslims are asked to remember the sacrifice made by their prophet, Ibrahim, in remembrance of his sacrifice, according to the Islamic holy book, the Quran.
As well as paying respects to Prophet Ibrahim, the festival performs what's known as Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The meat from this sacred act is divided into three parts:
• One-third for the family
• One-third for relatives and friends
• One-third for those in need
This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, 27 May 2026, and end on Sunday 30 May 2026.
Traditionally, the day is spent in much the same way that any great holiday is spent — celebrating with family and friends. The festivities kick off with an Eid prayer at the mosque, followed by celebrations, delicious meals and exchanging of gifts and Eidi money. It is also marked by the sharing of meat and other food amongst loved ones and the less fortunate, ensuring everyone is able to eat on the blessed day.
There are more than two billion Muslims in the world, with roughly half of us female, yet we are far from monolithic.
Of course, outfits are a hugely important part of the day. Typical styles include silk abayas (a loose, robe-like dress) or the latest shalwar kameez designs (trousers and long shirt). And for many, no Eid experience would be complete without beautifully styled hair, an elevated natural makeup look and eye-catching henna designs. Beautification, and henna in particular, often functions as a ritual centred around sisterhood and women, nurturing a sense of solidarity. This communal spirit not only celebrates femininity but also embraces Muslim women's cultural identity with pride and confidence.
Not a Muslim yourself, but looking to help shower your Muslim friends with love this Eid al-Adha? Look no further than our best Eid gifts guide, featuring everything from special, limited-edition Eid gift sets to baby gifts, oud perfumes, baklava and even modest fashion finds.
How to wish someone a happy Eid
To greet someone celebrating Eid, you can say “Eid Mubarak!”, which means “blessed Eid” or “happy Eid”.
