Grand Magal de Touba is a public holiday in Senegal, and it is observed on the 18th of Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday commemorates the life and teachings of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, the founder of the Senegalese Mouride Brotherhood.
Amadou Bamba was born in 1853 and was the religious leader in Senegal. In 883, he founded the Mouride brotherhood in Touba, Senegal. His teachings emphasized the virtue of pacifism, hard work, and good manners, and he became famous. As a result, some kings became his followers. His growing power and influence worried the French colonial government, and he has exiled to the equatorial forest of Gabon.
He asked his followers to celebrate the anniversary of his exile to Gabon as the Grand Magal. However, his son and successor organized the first gathering on his death anniversary. In 1946, his son's successor changed the date of the Magal to the anniversary of his exile.
The Grand Magal has grown, reaching over 3 million pilgrims attending in 2011.
The following is the list of Grand Magal de Touba in the Gambia from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Magal de Touba | Sep 14, 2022 | Wednesday |
| Grand Magal de Touba | Sep 03, 2023 | Sunday |
| Grand Magal de Touba | Aug 22, 2024 | Thursday |
| Grand Magal de Touba | Aug 12, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Grand Magal de Touba | Aug 01, 2026 | Saturday |
Please check more public holidays in Senegal:
