Every year on May 6, a ritual takes place in memory of Dervish Neziri at Tyrbja e Pulaj shrine in Babaj i Bokës village in Kosovo. On this day, sacrifices of lambs are made, then cooked and distributed to local people.
The lambs are offerings from the local people, those who do not raise lambs can buy one in the village. The tradition seems to be growing in popularity as more than 1000 lambs are sacrificed every year.
The tradition honors a historical figure, Dervish Neziri, a revered dervish who lived around 300 years ago. Known for his prophetic words, he predicted the death of those who wronged him. Before his death, he requested a memorial involving the preparation and distribution of lamb and halwa to the needy, emphasizing care for the disadvantaged.
The event itself is quite gruesome, but it has a lot of spiritual and social meaning for the local community.
Babaj i Bokës, Kosovo, 2024