The biggest holiday for Muslims, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is Eid al-Adha. It begins in the evening hours of the day of Arife (June 27), when Muslims pay respect to their deceased relatives and loved ones. The following morning, festive prayers are held in the mosques.

The holiday is associated with the power of faith and is marked by the sacrifice of an animal as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty. In this way, believers pay tribute to the prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son Ismail to prove his faith in Allah. The ritual symbolizes humility, repentance, reconciliation and forgiveness.

People call Kurban Bayram a holiday of mercy and forgiveness, which brings together the community of people who profess Islam. Traditionally, younger people ask adults for forgiveness and children receive gifts.

In Momchilgrad, there is a curious tradition of handing out mekitsi (traditional Bulgarian fried pastry) on the eve of Arife. This year, volunteers will hand out more than 2,000 mekitsi during a holiday concert on an outdoor stage in the park, as children will showcase their talents.

Learn more about the holiday from an article that is part of the rich collection of Radio Bulgaria:

• Kurban Bayram - a time for mercy and forgiveness

Editor: E. Karkalanova

Photo: BTA