June 28th was a Gambian national holiday called Tobaski, also konwn as Eid Al-Adha. It is one of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam (the other one being Eid al-Fitr). It is known as a feast of sacrifice, where, in The Gambia, families ritually slaughter sheeps. Those slaugtered sheeps are usually shared with family and also given to the pepole who cannot afford so that nobody misses out on the celebratoins to follow. This “sharing” is the essence of feast.
My friend, Malick, invited me to his compound, where he lives with his family of more thna 10 people, for this holiday. The family fed me feed with delicious ram dishes, and I shared them with the family. Malick also gave me Haftan (African traditional clothe) as a gift.
The town was more lively than usual at Tobaski night. Kids were going around neighbors to greet and get treats from them. People were going out to meet up with their friends and have a good time. It was such a pleasure to experience this holiday.
