Eid Al Id’ha

Eid Al Id’ha is marked by a ritual where Muslims slaughter their sheep, goats or sometimes even cows or camels.

The celebration occurs during the month of Muslim Hajj, the last month of the lunar calendar when Muslims make pilgrimage in large numbers to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The significance of Eid Al Kebir to Muslims is the opportunity to commemorate the biblical story of Abraham’s strong commitment to God when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. God intervened to have Abraham sacrifice a ram instead.

For many Tunisians nowadays, Eid Al Kebir is celebrated with family gatherings and Tunisian food that are specialties for the occasion.

Many varieties are displayed on Tunisian tables on the day of Eid Al Kebir and probably the most prominent of all is grilled lamb, couscous with Osben — a set of vegetables and sheep’s organs stuffed in sheep guts, Kadid — dried meat, and Kelea — lamb and tomato sauce.



Nizar Mahjoubi, a merchant, said that Eid El Kebir has “no religious significance” for him or his family. He mostly likes to spend the day with his family and to eat lamb that he buys from the butcher.

His neighbor, Faouzi Ghorbel, seemed to share his opinion. Fouazi defined himself as a non-devoted Muslim, maintaining that this would not stop him from celebrating Eid El Kebir with his family and children.

Another neighbor Mrs. Neji, however, saw Eid Al Kebir in a different light, stating that it is important to keep religious rituals and to teach them to her children. Neji’s children considered Eid Al Kebir to be one of the most exciting days in the year and said they enjoy the food.