How do people in Africa actually celebrate Christmas? In Ghana, more than half of the population professes the Christian faith: according to an official census from 2021, 71 per cent of the approximately 35 million inhabitants do so. The birth of Jesus is therefore also an occasion for a big family celebration full of tradition and customs south of the Sahara.
Do they know it's Christmas? Yes, despite the hot temperatures in December, the people of Ghana also know that Christmas is coming and prepare for it with their own traditions. Although there are no Christmas markets, Advent wreaths or mulled wine, Accra and other large cities in Ghana are already decorated for Christmas from November. The end of the cocoa harvest marks the start of the pre-Christmas season here. There are also Christmas trees and decorations, albeit mostly made of plastic. Ghanaians also festively decorate mango, guava and cashew trees.
Family time
As the festive season approaches, family time is very important. According to the motto "Driving home for Christmas", people drive to their loved ones in the villages, but only late on Christmas Eve. This is because on 24 December, people usually still work as normal until it finally becomes contemplative and usually very loud. This is because most Ghanaians celebrate with their extended family, including uncles, aunts, parents and grandparents. The festivities usually only end in the first week of January.
Fireworks and parade
However, not every family can afford to decorate their house or cottage for Christmas. It is also usually reserved for the wealthier families to give presents to the children. For others, it's all about being together and celebrating together - material things are not so important here. It is the festival of love.
Incidentally, the secular Father Christmas "Santa Claus" finds his counterpart in Ghana in "Papa Bronya" - Father Christmas. Instead of heavy boots, he wears sandals and a beautiful red robe decorated with gold. His outfit is completed by a traditional patterned sash and a white cape with a hood.
Fireworks are a special Christmas tradition in many towns and villages in Ghana. Afterwards, most people go to church, where they drum, sing and dance together. Following the church service, many communities hold a traditional and very colourful parade, which is particularly popular with children.
Feast served in a pot
While in Germany, goose or duck is the main dish on the Christmas table, Ghanaians cook different delicacies depending on the region. Fufu, the national dish of Ghana, which consists of mashed cassava roots in the shape of a dumpling, is of course a must. Joloff rice is also a popular dish. This is a dish made from rice and tomato paste, which is served with meat or fish. The celebrants usually eat the dish together from a pot and by hand. Stews with rice and goat meat are also served as a feast.
It's clear that Christmas in Ghana is different to Christmas in Germany. But no less beautiful.
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