Magal de Touba 2025
Date: August 12, 2025 (Tuesday)
Country: Senegal Public Holidays
Description
Magal de Touba is a major religious holiday in Senegal linked to the Mouride Sufi brotherhood. It honors the life and teachings of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a revered spiritual leader and founder of the Mouride movement.
The celebration happens every year according to the Islamic lunar calendar, in the month of Safar. Because the Islamic calendar is shorter than the solar calendar, the date moves earlier by about 10 to 11 days each year.
Magal marks the memory of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba's trials, including his exile, and his steadfast faith. For followers it is a moment to show gratitude, renew commitment to spiritual values, and remember moral teachings that shape daily life.
The event is nationally significant. It brings people together from across Senegal and beyond, reinforcing community bonds and collective identity tied to faith, history, and shared values.
Traditions
Thousands join long processions to reach the holy city. People wear white or green clothes and bring gifts. They chant praises and repeat devotional songs in groups. Sufi leaders give sermons and people listen in quiet respect.
Large communal meals feed friends and strangers. Families share ceebu jën, meat, bread, and sweet rice. Volunteers set up food stalls and distribute plates for free. Charity is important, so many give money, food, or clothes to others.
Rituals include dhikr with rhythmic chanting and prayer circles that last hours. Pilgrims visit shrines to pay respects to spiritual leaders. Children watch and sometimes join in the songs, drums, and gentle processions around the mosque.
Travel Tips
Banks, government offices and many shops in Touba and nearby towns may close or open late. Roads, buses and taxis get very crowded before and after main events. Book transport and lodging early and allow extra travel time for delays and checkpoints.
Stay with registered guides or tour groups, keep ID and emergency contacts on you, and carry cash because ATMs may be out. Dress respectfully, drink water, protect belongings in crowds, and follow police or organizer instructions to enjoy the holiday safely and respectfully.