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Is The Christmas Festive Season In Africa A Good Time To Visit

Is the Christmas Festive Season in Africa a Good Time to Visit?

Is the Christmas Festive Season in Africa a Good Time to Visit?

Southern Africa’s high summer months of December and January coincide with extended school breaks in many of the region’s nations. There is a sense of joy and frivolity, and the weather is fantastic.

throughout Africa, which is a cultural and religious melting pot, several significant holiday days are observed throughout December and January. And singing, dancing, eating, and rejoicing are all common parts of the celebrations here!

Southern Africa’s Christmas

Christians make up a sizable share of the population in southern Africa. This includes many different sects, the majority of which have Christmas. Christmas Day is observed on December 25. In several nations in southern Africa, December 25 and 26 are public holidays.

In traditional African fashion, the celebration involves spending time with loved ones, going to church, and then indulging in a feast. A braai or barbecue, where meat is grilled slowly over a fire while people mingle, is a common way to celebrate.

Genna: Ethiopian Christmas

There are many Christians in Ethiopia as well, primarily members of the Julian calendar-based Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The day prior is customarily a day of fasting, while Christmas Day, also known as Genna, falls on January 7.

Traditionalists put on their shammas, a white cotton garment, and go to the early mass when Genna dawns. Choir singing, candle lighting, the Prayer Walk, and processional strolling around the church all take place throughout the liturgy.

Families and friends gather to celebrate with a feast following church services, which frequently includes wat, a spicy stew of meat and vegetables, served with injera and flatbread. Tej, a honey-based wine-like beverage, is typically served with the dinner.

Is the Christmas Festive Season in Africa a Good Time to Visit
ROAN FOURIE

Africa’s New Year

The majority of Africa celebrates the start of the New Year with great zeal and enthusiasm, even though we don’t have Times Square’s New Year’s Eve ball. Parties are held in houses, clubs, on beaches, and at larger locations with breathtaking views. Everyone can find something they like.

In Zimbabwe/Zambia, the now-famous Vic Falls New Year’s Festival now lasts for three days. At what must be one of the most breathtaking locations on earth, the Victoria Falls, hundreds of partygoers congregate to celebrate alongside some of Africa’s top performers!

Like the rest of Africa, Malawi celebrates the New Year, known as Chilimike, with music, dancing, and a party that lasts long into the next day.

Basically, there will undoubtedly be a New Year’s party whether you’re in a busy city or in a remote location with only the breathtaking African night sky above you!

Cape Town’s Kaapse Klopse

This custom dates back to the time when Cape Town’s slaves celebrated their infrequent day off for the new year. Known as Tweede Nuwejaar (second New Year), the streets of Bo-Kaap and the central business district are typically a riot of color and music on January 2.

As thousands of people line the pavements to see this highly exuberant festival, up to 10,000 minstrels, organized into clubs, each with its own unique, vibrantly colored satin suits, bow ties, hats, and umbrellas, take to the streets.

Timkat: Jesus’ Baptism (Ethiopia)

This three-day ceremony, which begins on January 19, honors Jesus’ baptism. The priest with the Tabot on his head leads the vibrant processions and musical performances through the streets.

It’s a season for feasting, celebration, and happiness.