In Medina Baye, the excitement of the Gamou is already felt. Worshippers, pilgrims, and guests from all over Senegal and abroad converge on the religious city to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While the tradition of welcoming people remains strong, the turnout this year is different from last year.

At Seydi Aliou Niass's, son of Papa Ass Niass, the mobilization is total. "As each Gamou approaches, we prepare more to welcome our guests. As Sheikh Ibrahima Niass Baye recommended: when the celebration arrives, take down your beds and clear out your rooms to reserve them for guests. Offer them peace and food. It has become a beautiful custom among us," confides Ibrahima Gueye, before adding: "This year, guests have come in greater numbers than last year. We welcome Mauritanians, but also pilgrims from all over the world, not to mention those from Senegal. Truly, we give thanks to God."

In the same vein, Oumar, a member of the accommodation committee of a dahira in Mbour, testifies to the scale of demand. "Absolutely, every year we see an increase. The Gamou attracts more and more worshippers, and this is reflected in the accommodation. This year, the number of guests has increased significantly, especially around the mosque. We welcome Hausas, Nigerians, Mauritanians, and also Americans. Our dahira has even increased the number of buses to allow worshippers to come. Of course, this causes some disruption, as with every large gathering, but it is a source of great pride for Medina Baye, which continues to shine."

However, not everyone shares the same observation. A few steps from the mosque, Fatou from Barham highlights a notable difference: "Last year, at this time, the crowds were higher than this year. The decline can be explained by the current economic situation and the heavy rains of the season."

At the Diop family, a family living not far from the great mosque, the tradition of hospitality continues despite the difficulties. "We are used to welcoming families at every Gamou. As Baye Niass recommended, we vacate our rooms and do our best to ensure good food. So far, thank God, we are still receiving guests," explains the head of the house.

On the market side, vendors remain cautious. A few traders interviewed said that "for the moment, only haggling is dominating, without much buying," but they hope that the situation will change by tomorrow, as the crowd grows.

Thus, in Medina Baye, the fervor remains intact, even if the attendance seems mixed depending on the location and the observer. One thing remains certain: the Gamou continues to attract worshippers from all walks of life, reinforcing the international vocation of this spiritual city.