Eid al-Adha, meaning "Feast of the Sacrifice," is one of the holiest Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God’s command.

"Given that the celebration of Eid al Adha will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour wishes to inform employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Monday, June 17, 2024, will be a public holiday to celebrate Eid Al Adha," the Ministry of Public Service and Labour said in a notice on Wednesday night.

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— Ministry of Public Service and Labour | Rwanda (@RwandaLabour) June 12, 2024

Before Abraham sacrificed his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this, an animal (usually a camel, goat, sheep, or ram depending on the region) is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, another third for relatives, friends and neighbours, and the remaining third is retained by the family.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year, shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

Eid al-Adha, meaning "Feast of the Sacrifice," is one of the holiest Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr).