Eid al-Adha 2026

Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two most important festivals in the Islamic calendar and is observed across Jordan as a public holiday lasting four to five days. In 2026, Eid al-Adha begins on approximately 6 June, though the exact start date is confirmed by moon sighting and may shift by a day. The holiday commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, and marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

What happens during Eid al-Adha

The first morning begins with Eid prayers at mosques and large open prayer grounds across Jordan. Families then gather for the ritual slaughter of a sheep, goat, or cow, with the meat divided into thirds: one third for the family, one third for relatives, and one third donated to those in need. In cities like Amman, this practice has moved largely out of view for residents in apartment buildings, but in smaller towns and villages the communal aspect remains highly visible.

For visitors, the dominant experience of Eid al-Adha is one of family focus and quieter streets. Jordanians travel to be with extended family, which means intercity buses and shared taxis are heavily booked in the days before the holiday begins. Major tourist sites including Petra and Jerash remain open and are sometimes less crowded with domestic tourists, since most Jordanians prioritise family gatherings over sightseeing during Eid.

Practical impact for visitors

Most government offices, banks, and many shops close for the first two to three days of Eid. Restaurants in tourist areas and larger hotels continue to operate. Supermarkets in urban centres typically reopen by day two or three, though with reduced hours. Amman’s food scene remains largely accessible — the Jabal Amman and Abdali areas have restaurants oriented to visitors that maintain normal service.

Transport requires planning. Royal Jordanian and other airlines continue flights, and major bus routes (including Amman to Aqaba and Amman to Petra) operate, but seats fill fast in the days surrounding the holiday. Book intercity transport in advance if your travel dates overlap with Eid.

Cultural etiquette

Eid is a time of warm greetings — the standard exchange is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid Saeed” (Happy Eid). If Jordanian locals invite you to join their family meal, accepting is considered a genuine honour. Dress modestly throughout the holiday period, particularly around mosques and in smaller towns. Our cultural etiquette guide covers the broader social norms that apply year-round.