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Both Christian and Muslim holidays are celebrated
in Chad, in addition to some national holidays. Chadian Independence Day
is celebrated on August 11 with speeches, military parades and flag-raising
ceremonies. Most shops, businesses and offices are closed for the day.
Another important national holiday commemorates the proclamation of Chad
as a republic on November 28, 1958. Every year, the country also marks the
day that the present government ascended to power; however, the date of
this holiday changes with each change of government. International Women's
Day is celebrated with parades and special events.
Christmas, New Year's Day, All Saints' Day and Easter
Monday are the main Christian holidays. The date of Muslim holidays is not
fixed and changes each year. One of the holiest Muslim celebrations takes
place at the end of the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims are required
to fast during daylight hours. When Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate with
feasting during Eid al-Fitr. Another important Muslim holiday is
Eid al-Adha, sometimes known in Chad as Tabaski. It commemorates
the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God. Eid al-Maulud
celebrates the birth of the prophet Mohammed.
Local festivities vary depending on the region and culture.
In the south, during the months of October and November, people celebrate after
the harvest is taken in and the rainy season comes to an end. Many tribes mark
the end of the period of Yondo or other initiation rites by singing,
dancing and drinking millet beer. |
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Did you know? |
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May 25 is African Liberation Day, which commemorates
the founding in 1963 of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. This is a national holiday in Chad and in many other
African nations, and is often celebrated with sports contests and dances.
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