Feature: Egyptians celebrate Sacrifice Feast despite security threats

Millions of Muslim Egyptians on Thursday cheerfully celebrated the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice, despite economic difficulties and security threats.

The four-day Eid al-Adha concludes the end of annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son Ishmael. According to the Qu'ran, just before Abraham sacrificed his son, God replaced Ishmael with a ram, thus sparing his life.

After dawn, thousands in the capital Cairo headed to mosques and open spaces for the Eid prayers under heavy police presence.

Egypt has witnessed anti-government attacks that have killed hundreds of police and army personnel since the military removed former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule.

Most of the anti-government attacks were claimed by the "Sinai State" militant group, a Sinai-based affiliate of the Islamic State militant group.

"We are not afraid of any terrorist attacks because we know that the police and army secure the whole country," said Mohammed Waheed, a construction worker from Cairo in his 30s. "Today is a proof that Egypt is secure and people should enjoy the holiday in peace with no worries."

Despite his happiness for the holiday, Waheed complained that he could not buy everything he wanted for himself, his wife and his only son because of the notable price hikes of almost everything in Egypt.

Egypt's economy has been struggling in the past four years due to political turmoil and instability resulting from two uprisings which toppled two heads of state.

"Still security is more important than anything else," Waheed said. "With security, we can make a better future for our children and our economy can grow steadily."

The Interior Ministry announced earlier this week that it has prepared a mobilization plan for the country's main streets and squares ahead of the Islamic festivity.

Since the early hours of the day, large security forces were deployed around important and vital buildings as well as popular gathering points.

The Egyptian army has launched a large-scale security operation in North Sinai that left hundreds of Islamist militants killed and many suspects arrested.

Authorities said that a number of terror plots were foiled across the country ahead of the festival.

Right after the prayers, people started the celebration by firing fireworks while children took to the streets and public parks wearing their new clothes.

Streets were garnished with colorful balloons, toys as well as banners of feast greetings.

Those who could afford an animal started preparing for slaughter and sacrifice either at homes or at outdoor slaughterhouses.

According to the feast rituals, the meat is divided into three thirds, one distributed to less fortunate families, another for relatives and the last for the family to cook during the four-day feast.

"I bought two lambs today and I will distribute most of their meat to poor people," said Samy Mohammed, who was watching butchers slaughter his lambs. "This is why we are urged to sacrifice; to feed the needy."

Eid is also another opportunity to exchange home visits between close relatives. Older, working men often give money and gifts to their sisters and mothers.

The feast is also seen as a good chance to unite dueling Egyptians whose political views separated them in recent years.

"The feast is a great chance for us to reunite, to put our differences aside and celebrate," said 60-year-old Cairo native Taha Shuqair. "We should seize this opportunity to bridge the gaps between political rivals." Endit