What Is Christmas Like In Africa
Many africans spend christmas just like we do.
What is christmas like in africa. In nigeria we believe in father christmas our version of santa and we light up these things we call knockouts and banga which are like fire crackers. An unwritten rule ensures the purchase of non perishables like canned tomatoes groundnut oil rice beans and other grains in good time usually from mid october to early november. The vast majority of african countries are entering the hot season of the year. In south africa the weeks before christmas people celebrate christmas on the 25th of december.
That is not to say christmas is taken for granted in africa. Even in some of africa s predominantly muslim countries christmas is still recognized as a secular celebration. In the west african nation of senegal islam is the main religion. Either way christmas is a time for family and merrymaking.
Everyone counts down to the end of the year when all their pent up party mood is released. In brazil you say bom natal or boas festes if you wish somebody merry christmas. On christmas day the family gathers at a braai which is the south african version of a barbecue bbq. For the season here you can get a window in to the christmas traditions observed in kenya that have been observed for decades and won.
The decorations markets carolers and christmas dinner which in south africa is more of an outdoor lunch help you get into the christmas spirit. In some countries in africa goat instead of turkey is on the holiday menu. Christmas in south africa. The mindset dwells on avoiding opportunistic traders who hike prices of goods and services during the christmas festivities.
Empty schools and shops. Just like any other place in the world the annual preparations for the celebration of christmas begin way in advance. And yet christmas is designated as a national holiday along with easter the end of ramadan and prophet mohammed s birthday this mail guardian article shows how senegalese muslims and christians have chosen to. This is unarguably the most popular holiday in all of africa and christians who are the originators of christmas are not the only ones to celebrate the birth of the christ.
We always spend all the money we get have and we cook and share food in the neighborhood western africa. For more on christmas in the drc go here and here. Christmas on the african continent is festive colorful and loud. From one member ola ope.
With over 350 million christians living in the continent many southern and west african countries celebrate christmas with massive festivities even those that are predominantly muslim. You will find schools empty. Often people may be awakened by a group of carolers beginning to converge on the house of worship. They return home to make final preparation as to the clothes one must wear and also as to his.