#Other countries : Niger, like several countries of the Muslim community around the world, celebrated yesterday, July 9, Eid al-Adha or the feast of the sheep in peace and communion of hearts.
In Niger, the celebration of Aid Al Adha or Sheep Festival began this morning with the traditional prayer at the great mosque of Niamey. for the occasion, the head of state, the members of the government, the presidents of the institutions and several religious authorities and faithful Muslims made the trip to show all their adoration and devotion to the creator through the immolation of this first sheep kicking off a long day of festivities.
“This holiday means a lot to us religiously. We are all reunited this day thanks to the party and it is some important things as Muslims that our solidarity comes out strengthened. explains abdel nasser mamadou, a faithful muslim
In Niger the sheep festival is celebrated over two days. The particularity of the festival in Niger lies in the process of cooking or grilling the mutton. This requires appropriate knowledge and know-how which is acquired through experience.
“Once the sheep has been sacrificed, the skin is meticulously removed. The carcass is carefully cleaned without being cut into pieces, because you will see the tradition that in Niger, the mutton is grilled in its entirety. For this it is copiously marinated with a set of spices consisting mainly of chilli, pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric, in short, enough to whet your appetite and give the meat a special flavor.
The marinade finished, it is then grilled over low heat. The flesh must be well cooked from the inside and this technique specific to Niger requires a lot of patience. cooking will take all day.
Meanwhile the guts of the sheep are cleaned by the women then fried or grilled and then consumed. » explains ben ousmane ibrahim, faithful muslim
once the mutton is grilled, it will be kept to be cut up the next morning. A three-part split will be made. The first is intended for the needy, the second for neighbors and acquaintances and the third is kept for the private consumption of the family.