Eid Al Adha: A Celebration of Sacrifice with Global Flavor

A Personal Journey into the Heart of the Festival
Growing up, Eid Al Adha was always my favorite time of year. Not only was it a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it was also a time when I could immerse myself in the rich traditions and flavors of my culture.
This year, I had the opportunity to celebrate Eid in two very different settings: my hometown in Egypt and the bustling city of Dubai. Each experience offered a unique perspective on this special festival.
Cairo: Tradition and Family
In Cairo, Eid is a time for family gatherings and feasts. The streets are filled with the sweet smell of kahk (a traditional crescent-shaped cookie) and the sounds of children playing. On the first day of Eid, my family gathered at my grandmother's house for a traditional breakfast of ful medames (fava beans) and taameya (falafel).
After breakfast, we went to the mosque for prayers. The mosque was packed with people, all dressed in their finest clothes. The imam led us in prayers, and we listened to his sermon about the importance of sacrifice and compassion.
After prayers, we returned to my grandmother's house for the main event of the day: the zabeeha (slaughter of the sacrificial animal). My uncle had purchased a ram, and he led it to the courtyard. With a swift motion, he sacrificed the animal, and we all shared in the meat.
The sacrifice of the animal is a significant part of Eid Al Adha. It is a reminder of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) made when he was asked to slaughter his son, Ismail. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the poor.
Dubai: A Global Extravaganza
My experience of Eid in Dubai was very different from my experience in Cairo. In Dubai, Eid is a global extravaganza. People from all over the world come to Dubai to celebrate the festival.
I spent Eid in Dubai with my cousins. We went to the Global Village, a massive outdoor market that features stalls from over 70 countries. We ate traditional food from all over the world and listened to live music from different cultures.

We also went to the Dubai Fountain Show, the world's largest choreographed fountain show. The show was amazing, and it was a perfect way to celebrate the festival of sacrifice.

The Meaning of Eid