Touba prepares for record-breaking Grand Magal with over six million pilgrims expected

Senegal is gearing up for the Grand Magal of Touba, scheduled for 2 August 2026. Organisers anticipate more than six million faithful will attend, making it one of the continent’s largest religious gatherings.

Serigne Cheikh Abdoul Ahad Mbacké Gaïndé Fatma, president of the Magal’s culture and communication commission, said, “Last year we recorded 6,594,000 visitors; we expect at least the same number this year.” He noted a steady 5 % annual increase since 2011 and that participation roughly doubles every fifteen years.

To cope with the influx, the city is investing in sanitation, road works, water infrastructure and urban mobility. About forty new boreholes have been installed, and the Office of Rural Water Wells (OFOR) has put measures in place to alleviate water‑distribution challenges. Officials highlighted additional preparations with the Ministry of Hydraulics and a series of coordination meetings with state services. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to visit Touba for the traditional ziyara preceding the event.