Disabilities in Vienna: Eid al-Adha attracts 40,000 revelers!

Disabilities in Vienna: Eid al-Adha attracts 40,000 revelers!

This year's Eid al-Adha, also known as the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, begins in Vienna on Friday, June 6, 2025. The celebrations traditionally start with a community prayer and a variety of cultural customs that bring the family and community together. The festival ends on June 9th and is expected to be celebrated by around 40,000 participants in the city.

The assembly point for the faithful is Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse, Am Bruckdecken, with a planned departure time around 4:00 a.m. The festivities will run all day and are scheduled to conclude around 5:00 p.m. However, such mass events also cause traffic disruptions. According to the ÖAMTC, several streets are affected, including Arbeiterstrandbadstraße, Am Rollerdamm, and Floridsdorfer Brücke. It is recommended to use alternative routes to avoid crowds and possible closures.

The meaning of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is one of the central festivals in Islam and commemorates the great devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael. At the last moment, this sacrifice was replaced by an animal sacrifice, which today gives rise to the tradition of sheep or goat sacrifice. Muslims worldwide celebrate this holiday by praying together, sharing meals and exchanging gifts, making it comparable to the Christmas celebrations of non-Muslim families. The slaughtered animal is usually divided into three parts: for the family, for friends and for those in need, in order to promote helpfulness and charity.

The celebrations themselves vary by region, but common features include festive food and gathering in mosques or community centers. Muslims prepare for Eid al-Adha through prayers, fasting and reciting the Quran. In Germany, where the festival is not a public holiday, many believers take vacation for this special occasion or request an exemption from school for their children.

Preparations for Eid al-Adha

Preparations begin in advance of the festival: Preparations include purchasing a sacrificial animal, cleaning the apartment and cooking festive meals. Muslims strive to keep traditions alive while keeping an eye on modern challenges such as urbanization and environmental consciousness. These considerations lead more and more families to look for more sustainable practices to carry out the sacrifice.

With all these festive activities and traditions, Eid al-Adha is a special event in the Viennese community that not only highlights the religious significance but also promotes significant social and cultural exchange. For many celebrants, it is a valuable opportunity to gather with family and friends while celebrating the values ​​of sharing and community.