Eid al-Adha, the second of two major holidays in Islam, is days away.
Millions of Muslims around the world will celebrate the holy day, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, at the end of May this year.
The date of Eid al-Adha depends on the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle, so the exact timing is determined by the sight of the moon. Many Muslims follow guidance set by officials in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Eid al-Adha comes after Eid al-Fitr, a different holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Here’s what to know about Eid al-Adha.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2026?
Eid al-Adha will fall on Wednesday, May 27, this year.
Because the Islamic Calendar follows a lunar cycle, exact dates change depending on moon sightings each year.
Many Muslims follow guidance set by moon sighting committees in Middle Eastern countries. In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, officials have declared Eid al-Adha as falling on May 27, according to local news reports.
In some countries, Eid al-Adha is celebrated for several days.
What is Eid?
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays celebrated in Islam.
The word “Eid” means “festival” or “feast” in Arabic, according to the University of Florida.
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael after God came to him in a dream and commanded him to do so. God ultimately intervened, sending a ram to be sacrificed in Ishmael’s place, according to the Quran.
It falls during Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims are expected to complete Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, if they are able, according to Islamic Relief.
Why are there two Eids?
In Islam, there are two Eid holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. However, the two holidays have two separate and distinct purposes.
Eid al-Fitr, which happens at the end of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marks the breaking of the fast. For the month leading up to Eid al-Fitr, Muslims observe Ramadan, a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence during which they do not eat or drink at all during the daylight hours.
The second Eid holiday – Eid al-Adha – falls during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar and coincides with the end of the sacred Hajj pilgrimage season.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
