Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, which began Tuesday evening and will continue through Saturday. The holiday marks one of the most significant observances in the Islamic calendar.

In Saudi Arabia, millions of pilgrims are participating in Hajj rituals as part of the Eid al-Adha celebrations. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca continues despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East region that have raised security and logistical concerns.

Across the United Kingdom, hundreds of Muslim worshippers gathered in parks and open fields to attend special prayers marking the second day of the three-day festival. The outdoor celebrations reflect the community nature of the holiday and accommodate large numbers of participants.

The festival traditionally involves the ritual sacrifice of animals, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Bangladesh, one buffalo gained unexpected reprieve from sacrifice after becoming an internet sensation due to its resemblance to former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting how viral social media attention can sometimes influence traditional practices.

Eid al-Adha is considered one of the two major festivals in Islam, alongside Eid al-Fitr. The celebration emphasizes themes of sacrifice, charity, and community solidarity, with families typically sharing meals and distributing food to those in need.