Just hours before the Eid al-Adha festival – called Tabaski in West Africa and celebrated on Saturday, June 7, by the vast majority of Senegalese, who are 90% Muslim – the streets were filled with vehicles carrying sheep strapped to their roofs. In the Soumbédioune neighborhood of Dakar, last-minute shoppers crowded the sand- and hay-strewn sidewalks, which doubled as makeshift pens, in search of the right sheep to sacrifice.

"Over here, you can find Touabire and Peul-Peul sheep, which are the most popular because they are more affordable," explained a breeder from the Khoulam Kane sheep farm, pointing to the smaller animals. The average price: between 70,000 and 200,000 CFA francs (about €100 to €300), which is equivalent to a month's salary for many Senegalese. According to studies, the average monthly wage in the country ranges from 90,000 to 150,000 CFA francs.

Among the hundreds of nonchalant animals housed in the shade of large white tents, several dozen stood out for their impressive size and unique appearance. "These are the Ladoums, the most noble breed," the breeder said.

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