· 

Tabaski - holy (sheep) day in Burkina

Photo: Little sheep happy in the garden before being sacrificed

Today, Burkina Faso, like many other countries, celebrated Eid al-Adha, which could be translated by Sacrifice Feast. It is a very holy and important day for Muslims and it´s celebrated among all Muslims around the world at the same time. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God's command. Before he sacrificed his son God intervened by sending his angel Jibra'il (Gabriel), who then put a lamb in his son's place. That's the reason why everybody (at least those who have the means) sacrifices a lamp today. (You might see people slaughtering the animal on the street). The sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is retained by the family. Since weeks prices for sheep going up. During the last week, the cheapest one would cost you 120.000F (200 Euro).