When is Eid al-Adha?
In 2026, Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. It is classified here as a Maldivian public holiday.
History of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, often called the Feast of Sacrifice, is connected with the Hajj pilgrimage and the Islamic account of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God. In the Maldives it is observed through Eid prayer, time with relatives and the sharing of food and assistance. The occasion has a strong community character on inhabited islands, where extended families and neighbours often mark the break together.
The public-holiday period is announced around the relevant Hijri dates and includes Hajj Day and days following Eid. Island councils and service providers issue local arrangements, while ferry and air travel can be heavily used. Tourism continues throughout the break: resort guests may see cultural programming, but resort employees work rosters and retain Employment Act protections for work performed on public holidays.
The Maldives' final 2026 calendar places Hajj Day on May 26, Eid al-Adha on May 27 and additional Eid public holidays on May 28–30. The President separately declared May 24 and 25 government holidays, with offices reopening May 31. Those two added administrative days should not be represented as Eid's religious dates or assumed to close every private enterprise. Later years require the Maldivian calendar and religious confirmation because an imported Umm al-Qura date can differ.
How Eid al-Adha is observed
Eid al-Adha was May 27 in 2026, followed by public holidays through May 30; government offices also closed May 24–25.
Traditions of Eid al-Adha
Eid prayer
Residents attend Eid prayer on inhabited islands, exchange greetings and visit older relatives before joining household and community activities.
Food and hospitality
Families prepare generous meals and share food with relatives, neighbours and people needing support, with dishes differing among the atolls.
Eid al-Adha observance
For Eid al-Adha in Maldives, prayer, hospitality and giving follow the religious purpose of this particular festival. Religious and official announcements also shape the date and practical arrangements for the community.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Maldivian official and legal guidance. Lunar dates and annual government or employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Maldives Ministry of Education: 2026 Academic Calendar and Public Holidays, Civil Service Commission of the Maldives: leave and holidays regulation, Labour Relations Authority: Employment Act and public-holiday work rules, President's Office: May 24 and 25 declared government holidays for Eid al-Adha 2026.
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