Eid al-Adha 2026 in Canada: dates, meaning, and how families celebrate

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. In Canada, it brings families and communities together across cultures, including people with roots in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other regions. Whether you’re attending prayers in Mississauga, preparing a biryani meal in Vancouver, or calling your family and friends in Lahore or Cairo, Eid al-Adha is a time for faith, generosity, and staying connected.

This guide explains what Eid al-Adha means, when it will be celebrated in Canada in 2026, how families in Canada prepare, and how Western Union can help you support the ones that count the most, near and far.

What Eid al-Adha means

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice”, is one of the two major Islamic holidays. It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Before the sacrifice could take place, God intervened and provided a ram instead. For Muslims, this story represents trust, gratitude, and putting faith into action.

Today, Eid al-Adha is marked by a few key traditions:

• Attending Eid prayers at mosques and community centres
• Performing Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of livestock
• Sharing meat with family, neighbours, and people in need
• Giving to charity and supporting others

In Canada, these traditions are observed by a diverse and growing Muslim community, with customs shaped by cultures from around the world.

Eid al-Adha dates in Canada for 2026

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, the date changes each year.

In 2026, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, depending on moon sighting.

Here’s a quick look at the key days around Eid al-Adha in 2026:

Note: Exact dates may vary. Check with your local mosque or Islamic centre for confirmation.

How Eid al-Adha is celebrated in Canada

Community prayers and time together

Across Canada, families gather early in the morning for Eid prayers at mosques, Islamic centres, and community spaces. After prayers, many people spend the day visiting relatives, sharing meals, and checking in with family and friends. In cities with larger Muslim communities, some employers and schools allow time off for Eid when requested.

Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Canada?

Eid al-Adha is not a public holiday in Canada. However, many provinces, schools, and employers allow time off for Eid upon request.

Here’s an overview of the current observance:

 

How families celebrate Eid al-Adha around the world

While the meaning of Eid al-Adha is the same everywhere, traditions can look different from place to place. Let’s look at some of them:

Middle East and Arab regions

In countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, Eid al-Adha is a multi-day public holiday. Families gather for meals, visit relatives, and give generously to those in need. Traditional sweets like maamoul (pastries filled with dates and nuts) are baked and shared with guests, and mosques echo with Eid prayers.

If your family is celebrating in these regions, you can send money through Western Union ahead of Eid to help them prepare for meals, gifts, or charitable giving.

South Asia

In countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Eid al-Adha is often called Bakrid. The day includes prayers, Qurbani, and festive meals like biryani, sheer khurma, haleem, and a lot of sweets. Children often receive Eidi, a gift of money from elders.

If your family lives in these regions, you can send money in advance and help them cover Eid expenses and celebrate with ease.

The act of giving during Eid al-Adha

Qurbani and sharing meat

Qurbani is a central part of Eid al-Adha. It involves the ritual sacrifice of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal parts:

 

This tradition helps make sure everyone can take part in Eid.

Taking part when you’re far from home

If you’re not able to perform Qurbani yourself, you can still take part by supporting trusted charities. You can send money through Western Union to organisations that carry out Qurbani on your behalf and distribute the meat to those who need it most.

Beyond Qurbani

Eid al-Adha is also a time to reflect on Zakat (obligatory charitable giving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Many Muslims choose this time of year to make additional Eid al-Adha donations to:

• Local food banks and community kitchens in Canada
• International humanitarian relief organisations
• Mosque building and education funds

Whether you’re donating locally or sending money home so your family can purchase livestock or distribute meat in your community of origin, generosity is at the heart of this holiday. Western Union supports this spirit of giving by making it easy to send money internationally, quickly, reliably, and with competitive exchange rates.

Staying connected with Western Union this Eid

Eid al-Adha is about showing up for one another, even when distance makes it hard, turning transfers into moments of togetherness, even across borders.

If your family is celebrating Eid abroad, sending money can help them prepare meals, give Eidi to children, or take part in Qurbani.

With Western Union, you can send money from Canada to your family and friends in many destinations, including:

• Pakistan
• India
• UAE
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Jordan