Although these countries do not celebrate Christmas in a conventional like in the United States or Europe, the unique and distinct differences are worth noting. The Coptic Christians in Egypt and Ethiopia actually celebrate Christmas on January 7th as they follow the older Julian calendar. Though most friends and families do not exchange gifts, commu… Santa isn’t a continent-wide African Christmas tradition. Read more about Christmas traditions in Africa, e.g. On Christmas morning, African people and groups of carolers walk around the village and sing Christmas … The fanals are lit with candles inside and carried from house to house to collect donations. Most Christian households go to church service is held on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas was long-declared a public holiday in Africa, so all the family members can attend the dinner on this special day. If this statement sparks your interest, you are in the right place. Good Job making it! Christmas in South Africa. 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. Either way, Christmas is a time for family and merrymaking. Yes, many of them have a sizeable Christian population; therefore, they celebrate Christmas. Although the majority of the continent cannot afford a luxury lifestyle, gifting remains a common tradition. Palm trees are also ideal for decorating with lanterns and bells. Read about Christmas and its traditions in Africa and African Christmas customs. Senegal does celebrate Christmas despite being a Muslim dominated country. In the Christmas morning, African people and groups of carolers walk around the village and sing Christmas carols. From a camel-riding Santa to masquerade parties, here are 6 wonderful African Christmas traditions. Recent years saw some technological advances like fake snow at store entrances. Although Chad is predominantly Muslim, they do celebrate Christmas. Through festivals like these and stories that continue to carry on, the history of the African American Christmas tradition … If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.". There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday season that don't involve gift-giving. Christmas in South Africa and Namibia. This helped me a lot. I would love to hear your comments below! Christmas in South Africa and Namibia. 15 Best Countries to Visit in Africa for Vacation, Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Africa, The Islands of Mozambique: Ibo, Anantara Medjumbe & …, Botswana National Parks: An Extensıve Guı…. The church ceremonies consist of carols, nativity play, and dance performances. You can even read about the American slave experience in the children’s story, Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade. In traditional churches in Nigeria, the church go on a short trip as a way to replicate the visit of the wise men. Whether you buy them from stores or get them tailored, almost everyone arrives at church on Christmas Day rocking their new outfits. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Every Christmas Eve, South African’s gather together to sing Christmas Carols in the candlelight. On the big day, lunch is often a traditional roast enjoyed … © Copyright Trafalgar Tours, all rights reserved. During the holiday season is a great time to visit Africa. No matter how inexpensive a gift item is, everyone has to participate. The church... Dinner. The streets in the Cape Town and central districts are decorated with lights and inflatables. As a result, many Asian countries that do celebrate Christmas simply follow Western customs and traditions, such as Midnight Mass and the exchange of gifts (but not without enthusiasm). 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